Paul O’Grady planned to return to studio day before ‘unexpected’ death

Paul O’Grady was making plans to return to the studio just hours before his ‘unexpected’ death.

The beloved TV personality and comedian passed away on Tuesday 28 March, 2022 aged 67, his husband confirmed.

Andre Portasio, who has been married to Paul since 2017, said in a statement released on Wednesday (29 March): "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

"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."

Paul, who was best known for his drag persona Lily Savage, carved an impressive career for himself over the years, fronting Blankety Blank, Blind Date, The Paul O'Grady Show and the multi-award-winning show, Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.

Instagram/@paulogrady

He also had a 14-year-long stint on BBC Radio 2, hosting his own show on Sunday afternoons - but stepped down in August last year.

It's now been revealed that the day before his death, Paul had met with the production team from BOOM Radio to plan a return to the airwaves for Easter.

Programme director David Lloyd told Sky News that Paul had been ‘in really good form’ just hours before he sadly passed away.

He said: “It’s come as such a shock, our team were working on his Easter programme.

“I got an email last night from one of them saying: ‘We’ve just spoken to Paul, he’s really looking forward to it’.

"He's in really good form. This was yesterday and they were due to continue that work today."

Fans were left heartbroken after tuning into watch a special tribute episode of his Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs series, which aired on ITV last night.

Instagram/@paulogrady

Taking to social media, one viewer said they 'can't help but have a little tear' at seeing the 'one of a kind' presenter.

While someone else watching the tribute episode said it reminded them of 'what a wonderful man & animal advocate' Paul had been during his life.

Another said they were 'absolutely gutted to hear this news' and praised the presenter for the 'caring, love and kindness' he showed on For the Love of Dogs.

Others said 'my heart aches watching it today' and that he 'really was one of the good ones in this world'.

ITV has confirmed that the upcoming series of For the Love of Dogs, which had already been filmed, would still be aired.