The Tranmere-born star presented the popular comedy game show, Blankety Blank, in the late 90s under the guise of Lily Savage and hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs in a 30 year career.
TV star and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67, his partner Andre Portasio has said.
In a statement, he said the star, known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening.
The Tranmere-born presenter hosted a number of game shows, including Blankety Blank in the late 90s under the guise of Savage.
His career spanned more than 30 years, during which he hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and For The Love Of Dogs.
He also featured on TV shows like Dr Who and Holby City.
Mr Portasio, who tied the knot with Mr O'Grady in 2017 said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Mr O'Grady commemorated 160 years of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with Queen Consort, Camilla in a special episode of For The Love Of Dogs last year.
Long-time friend and producer, Malcolm Prince, offered his tribute to Mr O'Grady having visited him at his home only yesterday.
Mr Prince said: "I popped round to Paul's for a good old catch-up. Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing smiling and full of life. He was looking forward to so many new projects.
"And now he's gone I can't believe it. We have lost a unique talent - and I've lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.
"My heart goes out to Andre, Paul's family, and friends. Oh how I'll miss him."



@nabob @Pinkaholic79 ๐๐ฆ๐บ @Janet ๐๐ฐ๐๐น @roz @Flossy ๐ง๐ง๐ง @harryflatters @Tanith @Flotson @renatew5๐บ๐ถ @renatew5๐บ๐ถ etc etc
Hi Everyone, This is such sad news. I remember reading his autobiography on a cruise many years ago and was touched to read of his life. ( A good read) He had so much compassion and a fabulous sense of humour. Of course POGS Dogs and Battersea shows were always on my watch list. On the Battersea FB site someone suggested that they have a statue of him surrounded by dogs in their grounds.
Very sad, I have enjoyed watching his programs. He will be missed, a lovely man.
When he was doing the tea time shows on ITV around 10 years ago.... A member of our local council put Dennis' name forward for all the volunteer work he was doing in our community. The Show producers sent a team plus the two firemen they sent out to meet the public.... here to video Dennis receiving his award. It was a weekend in a hotel in Yorkshire plus a toy Buster dog. The firemen were dressed as Batman and Robin.
Unfortunately this never made it on the show, but was an exciting time non the less. The funny part was, when the team arrived they hid down the end of the road just behind the wall of the pub. The reason being Dennis was outside by the car on our driveway. They rang me to get Dennis indoors so they could come to ring the bell and film him opening the door to get his reaction. We had neighbours hiding next door too to see it all. A fun time.
Only read about it this morning. It's no age to go, these days. So sad. He loved animals and did so much for them. One of the good guys.
RIP Paul. So sad and unexpected. A lovely man who will be sadly missed. So young too - only 67. Xx
He made me laugh so much and bless him, for showing the plight of the homeless dogs and opening our eyes to their suffering, he was a lovely caring man and great comedian