Hearts have been left broken and the entertainment world rocked by the sudden death of Paul O'Grady at the age of 67.
The iconic TV star died "unexpectedly but peacefully" yesterday evening on Tuesday, his husband confirmed.
But according to those closest to Paul, there was no sign that anything was wrong, with the comedian-turned-presenter said to have been laughing and smiling just hours before his tragic passing.
According to Paul's close friend and colleague Malcolm Prince, Paul was "full of life" when he called in for a visit at the Cheshire-born star's home yesterday, according to reports in The Mirror.
In a heartfelt tribute, Malcolm tweeted: "Yesterday afternoon 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 so proud of (musical) 'Annie', so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and 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 friend. Oh how I'll miss him."
Malcolm and Paul worked together for years and were fan favourites on the comedian's Radio 2 show.
Paul and his husband Andre moved in together following the pandemic sharing their Adlington home in Kent with their beloved rescue dogs, Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie and Sausage, as well as pigs, alpacas, chickens, sheep and goats.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Andre said: "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's final social media post revealed him opening up about losing his pet pig, just two weeks before his death after Tom Tom was with a tumour and had to be put to sleep.
The 67-year-old "knew it was coming" but said it was still "awful" to lose a pet and described the hog as "the cheekiest of the gang".
Though he added: "On a lighter note I'm thoroughly enjoying playing Hannigan again after so long especially with a truly amazing and lovely cast. Next stop Edinburgh."
Right up until his death, the actor had been happily touring around the country in a production of Annie, playing character Ms Hannigan. He was even due to play the part for an additional week in June, in Liverpool.
Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle has also taken to her social media in a heartfelt tribute to her "loyal friend" Paul O'Grady having only seen him last week before his heartbreaking passing.
The Scots singer admitted she "never would have thought that this was goodbye," as she bumped into the iconic TV star in Edinburgh just a few days ago.
Susan, 61, wrote on Facebook: "Paul, you were one in a million, kind, funny, and a loyal friend.
When I saw you last week in Edinburgh, never would I have thought that this was goodbye.
"Sending love to Andre & your family. I will miss you."
While his sudden passing came as a shock, the iconic comedian's health had been ailing for years and he previously survived several heart attacks along with a near-fatal bout of covid. Paul also spoke only about his addiction to cigarettes.
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