Paul O'Grady honoured at LGBT Awards as Sue Perkins quits event over backlash
Television icon Paul O’Grady was honoured at the British LGBT Awards on Friday night three months after his shock death.
The television host, comedian, campaigner, drag performer and actor was 67 when he passed away suddenly on 28 March after suffering from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
He had been due to attend the event, held in London, before he tragically died - and was honoured with the Broadcaster of the Year award.
His husband, Andre Portasio, attended the event to accept the accolade, while comedian Julian Clary presented the award.
Organisers said on the night: “As a truly iconic member of the LGBT+ community, Paul O'Grady is truly missed.”
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Paul’s award was highlighted as “the most emotional and poignant moment of the night”.
Paul O'Grady was honoured at the 2023 British LGBT Awards (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)A spokesperson for the British LGBT Awards said: “The much-loved TV star was a multiple British LGBT Award winner before his sudden death in March and was set to attend this year's ceremony to collect the Broadcaster of the Year accolade.
“Clary paid a touching tribute to his friend who created Lily Savage before a glittering TV career.”
Over his lifetime, Paul hosted a number of TV shows including Blankety Blank, The Lily Savage Show, and The Big Breakfast and also had a popular show on BBC Radio 2.
Paul was known to millions as drag alter ego Lily Savage (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)Friday night’s event was hosted by BBC Radio 1 host Dean McCullough after Sue Perkins stepped back from presenting the event.
The 53-year-old comedienne quit the annual event following a disagreement over its sponsorship deals with Shell and BP.
A number of nominees, including comedian Joe Lycett, withdrew their nominations earlier this month after campaigners claimed the event was at risk of becoming a 'pinkwashing' exercise for oil and gas companies.
Following pressure from campaign groups and online activists, Sue - who hosted the awards in 2022 - is thought to have pulled out of fronting this year's celebrations, with rising star Dean stepping in to replace her.
An insider has told the Mirror: "The show is still going on for Britain’s biggest LGBT awards event with the amazing Dean McCullough.
"He stepped in which was a really last-minute coup for the event. His Radio 1 show is massively popular and he’s tipped for big things. He’s the Beeb's radio golden boy and so it’s all worked out really well."
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Sue Perkins had been due to host the ceremony but pulled out due to climate change backlash (PA)The source added: "I think people were a little surprised by Sue’s decision to run for the hills.
"The climate change lobby targeted her and other celebrities on social media and there have been a few dropouts. They’re now targeting other LGBT+ awards events sponsored by airlines and the likes."
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