has been laid to rest alongside his former partner Brendan Murphy, it has been reported.
The legendary TV star, who passed away last month at the age of 67, was left devastated when his former manager and partner Brendan passed away from an inoperable brain tumour in 2015.
On Thursday, Paul’s grief-stricken husband Andre Portasio rode a horse and carriage carrying O’Grady’s coffin through Adlington, Kent, dE while clutching their beloved dog Conchita.
It’s now been reported by that Paul’s body was laid to rest next to Brendan.
Brendan tragically died just days before Paul’s 50th birthday in 2005, with the Lily Savage star paying tribute to his close friend shortly after his tragic death.
Final wish: Paul O’Grady has been laid to rest alongside his former partner Brendan Murphy, it has been reported
Heartbreaking: Thousands of fans and friends paid tribute to the legendary TV star, who passed away last month at the age of 67, during his funeral on Thursday
Paul told the Mirror: ‘I’d lost my best mate, someone who’d been in my life for 25 years and saw me through the days when I was lucky to earn £50 for standing on a beer crate in the corner of a pub telling jokes.Murph and I were like brothers – joined at the hip, thick as thieves.
‘It transcended any sexual relationship we’d had. This was a partnership. If you have any concerns concerning where and how to use e}V, you can make contact with us at the web site. A double act, Emma Peel and Steed, Laurel and Hardy. We were both 49, barely able to believe what we’d achieved – I’d just won a BAFTA for the Paul O’Grady Show – and then suddenly bang, e}V he’s gone.’
Paul went on to find love with Brazilian dancer Andre, 25 years his junior, who he married in 2017.
On the day of Paul’s funeral, a post on his official Instagram page read: ‘Yesterday was a very sad day.We said good bye to our beloved Paul O’Grady. We thank everyone who despite the weather came to pay their respects at the procession, humans and furry friends.
‘He would have been very humbled. The outpouring of love and kindness over the last 3 weeks has been truly amazing’
Paul O’Grady’s husband wiped away tears today as he led mourners into the late comedian’s funeral following his sudden death at the age of 67 last month.
Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr and Jo Brand were among the dozens of celebrities to follow grief-stricken Andre Portasio as he rode a horse and carriage carrying O’Grady’s coffin through Adlington, Kent, while clutching their beloved dog Conchita.
Hundreds of well wishers holding bouquets of flowers lined the streets to watch the cortege, which travelled from Paul’s home in Adlington to a picturesque 12th century church in nearby Bonnington.
The popular comedian and presenter, who found fame as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage and whose For the Love of Dogs TV show was watched by millions, made his final journey flanked by a ‘dogs guard of honour’.
A floral wreath in the shape of O’Grady’s late pooch Buster, who died from cancer in 2009, was pictured leaning against his coffin as it made its way to the Grade-II listed St Rumwold’s church.
On the day of Paul’s funeral, a post on his official Instagram page read: ‘Yesterday was a very sad day.We said good bye to our beloved Paul O’Grady.’
Devastating: Paul O’Grady died from cardiac arrhythmia aged 67 last month, shocking fans across Britain and around the world
O’Grady’s daughter Sharyn Mousley donned a black face covering as she walked into the service alongside a young man, believed to be the comedian’s grandson, who was holding a Lily Savage wig.
Three volunteers from from Battersea Cats & Dogs Home stood guard with a black Labrador cross and a pug as the coffin was carried into the ceremony by six pallbearers.
A brass band from the Salvation Army played a series of songs outside, including Tomorrow from the musical Annie.
O’Grady had been touring with a production of the hit show at the time of his passing.
Other famous faces seen saying their goodbyes were comedian Julian Clary, the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell and a string of EastEnders actors, including Scott Malsen, Cheryl Fergison and Linda Henry.
Touching notes were left outside the church by loved ones of O’Grady.
His daughter Sharyn wrote: ‘Gongan, we miss you so much, Abel and Halo will never forget you.Your little teddy is with you. I love you.’
Meanwhile a tribute from his ‘heartbroken’ sister Sheila read: ‘Dear Paul, beloved and loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Will love, remember and miss you forever. Rest in peace.’
After the funeral, a private event for family and loved-ones is planned at Port Lympne Safari Park, whish is just three miles from Paul’s home and where he loved judging animal competitions.
It is home to many rare and endangered species and the largest breeding herd of black rhinos in the UK, all in the grounds of an Edwardian mansion transformed by late casino mogul John Aspinall, a close friend of Lord Lucan and Sir James Goldsmith.
Meanwhile some 300 miles away, hundreds of O’Grady fans gathered in his hometown of Birkenhead, Merseyside, to pay their respects.One video showed dozens of well wishers bursting into a one-minute round of applause to ‘celebrate his life.’
Tough: Husband of Paul O’Grady, Andre Portasio, carrying one of their dogs, arriving for the funeral of Paul O’Grady at St Rumwold’s Church in Aldington, Kent
