01 April 2023 , 19:08
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Paul O'Grady fans have been left in floods of tears while watching icon Lily Savage in an emotional Blankety Blank re-run following the sudden death of comedian and TV icon, Paul.
BBC One broadcasted a classic episode of Blankety Blank with Dale Winton on Saturday in memory Paul who sadly passed away at the age of 67.
In this classic episode of the game show, with Paul as Lily Savage, the guests presenter were Rebecca Callard, Sophie Lawrence, Davina McCall, Sir Ian McKellen, Gray O’Brien and Dale Winton.
The tear-jerking episode saw Paul in his truest form as he made his fellow guests and the audience keel over with laughter.
However, it was a different story for BBC viewers who tuned in to remember Paul as they were left in floods of tears after watching the emotional episode re-run.
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The tear-jerking episode saw Paul in his truest form as Lily Savage (BBC)Taking to Twitter after pay tribute to late Paul, besotted fans gushed over his comedic magic.
One fan gushed: " #blanketyblank with #paulogrady #lilysavage. Brilliant back in the day when we could have a laugh and be relaxed about it."
"So much nostalgia on this episode of #BlanketyBlank. Blows my mind that Sir Ian McKellen did this! So sad that both Lily and Dale are no longer with us," another tweeted.
"Gosh watching #BlanketyBlank with Lily Savage is bringing back so many happy memories of me and my Nan watching when I was child. There really will never be another like Paul/Lily," another shared.
Blankety Blank viewers took to Twitter to pay tribute to Paul (BBC)While a fourth echoed: "In floods of tears watching this. RIP to the greatest comedic magician in the world, Mr Paul O'Grady."
"I also miss Dale Winton. Teo legends right there," someone else tweeted.
The comedian, actor and writer, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
Announcing the tragic news in a statement, husband Andre Portasio said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
The classic episode was broadcast again on Saturday (BBC)“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.
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“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
The Lily Savage star was "full of life" and "surrounded by his beloved dogs " just hours before he died, according to his pal Malcolm Prince.
Paul O'Grady as Lily SavageThe comedian's colleague, who produced Paul's show on BBC Radio 2, saw his friend just hours before he died.
Speaking about the last time he saw the star, he tweeted: "Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life. He was so proud of '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."
Paul began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls.
Paul became a household name thanks to his comedic genius (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul passed away at the age of 67 (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)He later settled into a solo show as Savage that ran for eight years at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and made a name for himself speaking out about LGBT issues.
O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter as Savage from 1995 to 1996.
He took on chat show The Lily Savage Show for the BBC for a short run in 1997 and later that year had success as the host of a revived version of game show Blankety Blank, which ran until 2002.