FOR LOVE OF PAUL

Lovely 'Lily' was fierce and funny

-  ED GLEAVE

THE showbiz in mourning world was last night after "fierce and funny" Paul O'Grady died, aged 67.

His heartbroken husband Andre Portasio, below, broke the tragic news yesterday morning saying: "Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully.

"He will be missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion." Paul got his TV as breakthrough transvestite prostiinformant, tute Roxanne, in three episodes of The Bill from 1988 to 1990.

He quickly became a TV stalwart as drag queen Lily Savage with stints on 90s shows including Blankety Blank.

He went on to have his own chat show and fronted a revival of Blind Date and hit For The Love of Dogs.

His last role, in the stage show Annie, was a great joy. He said: "I'm rocking around with Ms Hannigan doing Easy Streets gasping for air.

Don't take the elderly for granted." But he suffered a series of health problems in the last 20 years including heart attacks and kidney failures. 

Thanks for the laughter

A HOST of stars rushed to pay tribute to Paul.

Queen Consort Camilla was devastated after they bonded while doing charity work at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.