02 April 2023 , 15:02
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Paul O'Grady 's friend of 40 years, Christopher Biggins, has said that the late comedian's marriage to husband to Andre Portasio 'saved him'.
Comedian, actor and writer, Paul, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening with his passing sending shockwaves through the showbiz industry.
Announcing the tragic news in a statement, Paul's devastated husband Andre 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.
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Christopher and Paul were pals for over 40 years (Ray Tang/REX Shutterstock)“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Following on from Andre's tragic announcement about Paul's death, the late comedian's dear friend Christopher has opened up about their four-decade-long friendship, and now Christopher saw Paul truly come to life after falling for Andre.
Prior to Paul’s tragic death, the much-loved TV star had previously suffered a number of health issues including several heart attacks and a serious battle with Covid.
However, according to his close friend Christopher, Paul was 'like a teenager as far as his health was concerned - he didn’t listen'.
Christopher says Andre saved Paul in so many ways (Instagram)
The couple were together for 11 years before they tied the knot (Dave Benett/Getty Images)Speaking to The Sun, Christopher recalled a time from around 15 years ago, when he and Paul were staying with their pal Cilla Black in Spain.
According to the star, at the time Paul 'had his heart problems already' and had been warned by doctors not to drink or smoke.
However, these health rules and regulations felt like a 'stupid thing' to tell the Lily Savage star, who acted like a 'teenager' when it came to his health issues.
Despite claiming to feel it in his bones that Paul was still smoking against doctors wishes when he died last week, Christopher believes wholeheartedly that Andre 'saved' Paul in many ways.
Paul and Andre tied the knot in 2017 (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)
Christopher Biggins was a very close friend of Paul's (UK Press via Getty Images)"He married a gorgeous man and I think that is what saved him from descending into life as a rogue," the star gushed.
"He made a happy life in the Kent countryside with his animals," he added.
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Christopher's loving confession about Paul comes after his grieving husband Andre shared the last-ever picture they took together before he died.
Two days after the icon's death, Andre took to his Instagram page to post a picture from their last holiday together.
Paul passed away at the age of 67 earlier this week (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved star (PA)"In time I hope to write to everyone individually and thank you for all posts, messages, phone calls, emails, cards and flowers of support," he wrote.
"I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!"
Andre concluded the post: "Browsing for a picture I found the last picture we ever took together. Unbeknownst to us back in January this would be our last ever holiday together."
Paul and Andre tied the knot at a low-key ceremony in 2017 but the two dated for 11 years before that.