RuPaul's Drag Race star close to tears in tribute to Paul O'Grady's drag legacy
BBC Breakfast was more of a sombre show on Wednesday morning following the sad news of Paul O'Grady's death at the age of 67.
As the weekday show discussed the tragic news, they welcomed Danny Beard via video link to discuss the star's life.
The winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was tearful in his tribute as he thanked the comedian-turned-presenter for all he had done for the queer community and for him himself.
Danny, 30, revealed how people fell in love with Paul the person as well as his drag persona, Lily Savage.
He said: "I think Paul changed people's minds on what gay people wear, on what drag queens wear and people fell in love with the person behind the persona, which became later in Paul's life just as important as Lily."
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Danny Beard was close to tears as he remembered Paul O'Grady (BBC)Danny continued: "You know, Paul's won so many awards throughout his career. Up until 2018 when he won another award for his show with the dogs, you know, he's just touched so many people by humanising people and by connecting with people that means we can relate with people and by relating with people we're breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
"So, it goes unsaid the work that Paul's done for the queer community, for me personally and for many other little gay boys who want to put a dress on."
He revealed that he sees Paul as a trailblazer in the drag community, insisting there is no one in his line of work who doesn't see him as an icon.
He added: "He's been the most important person I think in British culture for drag, for the queer community, so this is a real sad loss today."
Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage (PA)Danny, who was raised near Paul's hometown of Birkenhead, was then seen taking big gulps and fighting back the tears as he continued his tribute, saying "it's a really sad day," before labelling the news "horrendous".
Danny was one of many to pay tribute to the star who died "unexpectedly but peacefully".
Among others paying tribute was Carol Vorderman, who said on Twitter : "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
And Paul's producers Malcolm Prince expressed his devastation in a statement, revealing he had just seen his pal yesterday.
He described how the pair were laughing and smiling and "full of life".
His statement concluded: "We have lost a unique talent - and I've lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives."
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