ITV's Lorraine 'can't stop smiling' thinking about Paul O'Grady in emotional tribute to 'kindest' TV pal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to the "kindest" and "funniest man" Paul O'Grady MBE.The late comedian died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening.Now, the 67-year-old has been praised for his "pioneering" actions throughout his life and his campaigning for gay rights.On her daytime show, discussing the late Paul, Lorraine said: "[Paul was] the kindest man, and the funniest man and of course going way back we remember him as Lily Savage, absolutely groundbreaking, who did such a lot of pioneering and campaigning as well."In 1987, the late Paul O’Grady was arrested in full drag, as Lily Savage, while performing at the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern.O’Grady recalled the raid in 2021.“It was 34 years ago when the cops raided the Vauxhall,” he wrote. “I was doing the late show and within seconds the place was heaving with coppers, all wearing rubber gloves.

I remember saying something like, ‘Well well, it looks like we’ve got help with the washing up.’“They made many arrests but we were a stoic lot and it was business as usual the next night,” he continued. “I was in quite a few police raids all over the country at the time.

I was beginning to think it was me – in fact the South London Press in an extremely homophobic article called Lily ‘a lascivious act’ which I was very proud of.” The broadcaster will also be remembered for his love of animals - particularly dogs.Speaking to Lorraine on Wednesday morning, the Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Peter Laurie praised Paul and all the work he did for the charity.He said: "It's a desperately sad day for everyone here at Battersea, and of course for Pauls's family and his many friends and our heart goes out to them as well."Staff here at Battersea arriving