Linda Thorson tearful on GMB and Paul O'Grady smiling at Chelsea Flower Show
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Friend of Paul O’Grady reveals details of his death in tearful GMB appearance

Paul sadly died in March at the age of 67

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A friend of Paul O’Grady previously spoke about his sad death during a tearful TV appearance on GMB, as she detailed his final hours.

For the Love of Dogs star Paul died in March 28 at the age of 67, his husband Andre Portasio revealed in a statement.

Former Avengers actress Linda Thorson appeared on GMB just days later to open up about the loss of her dear friend Paul.

Paul O'Grady smiling on This Morning
TV legend Paul died in March (Credit: ITV)

Paul O’Grady death

Speaking to Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Adil Ray, Linda detailed Paul’s final hours.

She said she had spoken to Paul just hours before his death.

But he died in his own bed, his husband Andre was there.

Linda tearfully said: “I can’t believe it. Just to hang up the phone and hours later, for someone to die who was so happy, full of life.

“But he died in his own bed, his husband Andre was there who he’s been with for so many years.”

Linda Thorson on GMB

Speaking about Andre, Linda added: “He will be so bereft of Paul. He worshipped Paul. We’ll all be there for you, Andre.”

Linda isn’t the only friend of Paul’s who detailed his final hours.

His radio co-star and friend Malcolm Prince also shared a tribute and revealed he had visited Paul’s house on the day of his death.

Malcolm tweeted: “I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up. Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life.

Paul O'Grady in black suit, smiling at NTAs
Paul “died in his own bed, his husband Andre was there”, Linda said (Credit: INFphoto.com)

“He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio, and he was looking forward to so many new projects.”

Malcolm added: “We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend.”

Tributes poured in for Paul following the devastating news.

Battersea, which Paul was an ambassador for, shared their sadness in a tribute on their Twitter page.

It read: “We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away.

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“He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

ITV also paid a tribute to the beloved presenter.

Read more: Paul O’Grady’s sharp-witted quip about his own funeral in his eulogy for Cilla Black

Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: “He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humour and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.”

A repeat of Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes airs tonight (July 18) on ITV1 at 8pm.

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)