Paul O'Grady's friend Linda Thorson says star died in bed with husband by his side
Floods of tributes have been dedicated to presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady, who died suddenly, aged 67, at his home in Aldington with his husband Andre Portasio. Celebrities and fans of the veteran star have been sharing stories and favourite memories with The Avengers actress Linda Thorson becoming the latest to open up about her friend on Good Morning Britain. The 75-year-old first met O'Grady when he was working on the iconic show The Big Breakfast in the 1990s.
Good Morning Britain welcomed actress Thorson onto the show to discuss friend O'Grady's passing and how she saw him.
"He was a magical person but he started his life caring for people, he was a carer, "she said.
"He died in his own bed and his husband was there, he's only 41 Andre, he'll be so bereft. We'll all be there Andre."Thorson added how she was one of the last people to talk with O'Grady over the phone.READ MORE: Holly Willoughby apologises to Sally Lindsay over Paul O'Grady blunder
GMB's Susanna Reid apologises for language during Paul O'Grady tribute. (Image: ITV) READ MORE The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades fights back tears at WWII shoe unveiling"He was generous to a fault, I'll never meet anyone like him. He cared about me and I felt that.
"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."
Earlier in their conversation, presenter Susanna Reid stated his fans knew how much he cared for children in particular.
This comment led Thorson to get riled up, reminding her of a clip that featured on the show just before her interview.
Paul O'Grady died aged 67 this week. (Image: GETTY) Actress Linda Thorson paid tribute to Paul O'Grady on GMB. (Image: ITV)Before Thorson came on, GMB showed a clip with Secretary of State for Energy Grant Shapps talking.
The actress cut Reid off, stating: "He [O'Grady] can't stand what goes on. I mean this b*****t we just had to listen to - but sorry, he just could not stand this party and what they've done."
Addressing audiences at home, Reid replied: "Apologies for that use of language."
Thorson wasn't done with making her point on how the late star didn't turn the other cheek when it came to injustice as she continued: "He was very, very outspoken but before that, during AIDS, he was playing Lily Savage.
"He's got the story, the police came to raid the club and they had gloves on, not to touch people with their hands.
"He said, 'Oh they've come to do the washing up!' He made fun but he got past it all."
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O'Grady was a comedian, broadcaster, actor and writer but rose to fame during the 1980s as a drag queen.
He became known in the London gay scene for his sassy persona Lily Savage which launched his television career.
O'Grady went on to host shows like Blankety Blank, Blind Date and his own talk show, The Paul O'Grady Show.
He was also famously known for being a devoted animal lover, working as an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
READ MORE Linda Nolan says cancer has spread to her brainThe news of his death was broken when O'Grady's husband of 11 years Andre Portasio released 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."
Good Morning Britain airs every weekday from 6am on ITV.
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