29 March 2023 , 07:51
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Paul O’Grady said he felt “free” on his last ever Radio 2 show as he “hung up his headphones” after 14 years presenting his hit show.
The comedian and presenter, who rose to fame as drag queen Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday evening at the age of 67.
He quit his Radio 2 job just seven months his shock death after admitting he “wasn’t really happy” with controversial changes at the BBC station.
This included sharing his show on a ’13 weeks on, 13 weeks off’ basis with comedian Rob Beckett.
On his last ever radio show on Sunday August 14, Paul reflected on his time at the station alongside producer Malcolm Prince.
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Paul's last show on Radio 2 was in August 2022, months before his death (Instagram)As he began bidding farewell to his loyal listeners, he joked: “This is one of the longest jobs I’ve ever held down – I only came in to do a few hours for Elaine Paige.”
He continued: “I used to say I was running from the building, but there was a great big bubble that would catch me on Oxford Street and bring me back, like a prisoner.
“But it’s not today and I can run free. I’m hanging up my headphones.
“Thank you very, very much for listening – it wouldn’t have been the same without you,” he added, before playing his final song, Friends by Bette Midler.
Paul and producer Malcolm were due to present a one-off Easter Sunday show on Boom Radio (PA)Paul had released a statement earlier that week revealing the real reasons behind his BBC Radio 2 exit.
Taking to Instagram, he shared a video with his 746,000 followers and said: “I’ve loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the past 14 years and I’m going to miss my listeners, as well as all the fun I’ve had with my producer, Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go.”
Referencing his dogs barking in the background, Paul continued: “Can you hear those dogs barking, honestly, I can’t do anything.”
In a poignant final message to fans, the broadcaster continued: “I want to say thank you very much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I’ve had over the years.
“And also a huge special mention to Malcolm Prince, my producer. I’ve been really lucky in my time to have worked with some smashing producers and Malcolm is way up there, believe you me.”
He added: “Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone at Radio 2 and long may you continue!”
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The star with his husband Andre, who he married in 2017 (WireImage)Announcing Paul’s tragic death in a statement, his husband Andre Portasio 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.”