Today marks one year since Wirral's beloved Paul O'Grady passed away, leaving behind an incredible legacy, from battling for LGBTQ+ equality to supporting thousands of dogs in need.
The much-loved entertainer, who was born in Birkenhead, died suddenly on March 28 last year, aged 67, prompting a huge outpouring of love and tributes from across the country and beyond. A passionate animal-lover and professional chatterbox, O'Grady became a much-loved fixture of primetime television, and many people adored his alter-ego, Lily Savage.
Though Paul became a household name, he never forgot his roots and was proud of his working-class, Wirral background. Since his passing, he has been recognised for his achievements and awarded Wirral's Honorary Freedom of the Borough, and there are even talks about a statue being erected in his honour in Birkenhead. - Paul O'Grady documentary: The Life and Death of Lily Savage to air on Good Friday
Over the years, O'Grady came out with some cracking lines and had us all in stitches, but he also discussed important issues and used his drag persona to talk about gay rights. Here, we remember Paul through some of his iconic quotes from interviews over the years, and performances as Lily Savage.
1. Paul O'Grady on breakfast
“I like a Blackpool breakfast, me - 20 ciggies and a pot of tea." | Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty
2. Paul O'Grady on animals
“I love looking after animals. I find it very enjoyable." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Paul O'Grady on working class people
"The working class has taken a real battering over the past few decades, so much so that you can barely see them. But I have spoken to lots of cab drivers and shop keepers, for instance, who work 14 hours a day and are proud to be called working class.” | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Paul O'Grady on driving
“The worst drivers are women in people carriers, men in white vans, and anyone in a baseball cap. That’s just about everyone.” | Third Party Photo: Third Party