Paul O'Grady said he was 'absolutely fine' one week before his death, ... trends now
Paul O'Grady assured fans that he was 'absolutely fine' following a Covid scare in comments made just one week before his shock death.
Paul, who found fame as drag act Lily Savage and was a beloved TV host, died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at the age of 67 last night, his partner said.
Following the sad news of his passing, an interview from March 21 reveals how he insisted he was 'back in business' after a health concern.
In the poignant comments, he said he was 'absolutely fine' just one week before his sudden death, but admitted that he had feared he wouldn't work again following a Covid scare.
When asked how he was 'health-wise', he told BBC Radio Scotland last week: 'Oh, I've had everything chucked at me. I'm absolutely fine, touch wood. I'm OK.'
Paul O'Grady assured fans that he was 'absolutely fine' following a Covid scare in comments made just one week before his shock death
He went on to explain that he was left fearing he would never work again after being left 'breathless and tired' for two months in 2022 when he caught Covid.
He said: 'I think my last disaster was when I caught Covid last year. We were filming in Malta and I only got one day's filming done. The next thing I was in a hotel room for nine days.
'But getting over it was the worry. I was a good two months being breathless and tired. To tell you the truth, I thought, 'I'll never work again in this state. I can't.'
'But I'm back in business.'
Just one week after his comments, Paul sadly died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at the age of 67 on Tuesday evening, his partner announced.
Andre Portasio, who married Paul in 2017, paid tribute to his 'humour, wit and compassion' in a statement announcing his death released just before 3am.
Paul became a household name in the early noughties, known for his wit and love of animals, and hosted a string of television programmes including his self-titled daytime chat show, The Paul O'Grady Show, which began airing in 2004.
He also took over the reins from Blind Date's long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, to host the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017. And he fronted Blankety Blank, as well as ITV's award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.
Devastating: Following the sad news of his passing, a resurfaced interview from March 21 showed Paul insisting that he was 'back in business' after some health concerns
The father-of-one's cause of death wasn't immediately known, but he had previously spoken of surviving heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014, and also kidney failure. He also had a debilitating Covid battle that left him unable to work for two months.
Paul married Portuguese lesbian barmaid Teresa Fernandes in 1977 to stop her deportation. They divorced in 2005 and he wed ex-ballet dancer Andre is a low-key ceremony in 2017.
Decades earlier in 1974, he had his only child, a daughter called Sharyn Mousley, with his dear friend Diane Jansen. He is also a grandfather to Sharyn's son Abel, who was born in 2006 and is now aged 16, and Sharyn's daughter Halo, born in 2009.
His partner Andre said in a statement: '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.
'I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.'
Paul had been due to continue a tour
