Almost 100,000 people sign petition for Paul O’Grady statue

Almost 100,000 people have signed a petition to erect a statue of Paul O’Grady in his hometown of Birkenhead after the TV star, 67, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ last month.

At time of writing, the petition, started by Kieran Gabriel, had 94,500 signatures, with the organiser stating the figure would ‘immortalise’ the iconic drag queen and comedian, who’s death on March 28 is mourned by a legion of his fans.

“It only feels right to honour the life of such a great human being,” Gabriel wrote on the change.org page. “Paul has left a huge legacy with his trailblazing work as a drag artist, social and political causes, LGBT rights and of course, his love of animals.

“This is a petition to the Wirral Council, who must surely take stock of the huge outpouring of love in the wake of Paul’s passing. Liverpool has Cilla, Birkenhead deserves Paul.”

Plans afoot: The council said in a recent statement that plans are underway for a “fitting celebration” of Paul’s life and conribution to Wirral.

Statue debate: Many people are in favour of a tribute statue, however, some have said it would be better suited to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where Paul was a long-serving ambassador. There have also been several suggestions that the statue should include dogs in some way.