Paul O'Grady death: Tributes pour in for 'brilliant' comedian and 'fearless' campaigner

Tributes are being paid to Paul O'Grady after the TV star died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening.

ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O'Grady as "a really special man", adding that it was "such sad news".

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell echoed their sentiments, highlighting how much O'Grady contributed to the LGBT+ voice.

Mr Tatchell said: "Paul wasn't just a brilliant comedian and broadcast personality but a much-admired campaigner for LGBT+ equality and animal rights."

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis tweeted his sadness at O'Grady's death, saying: "Quite shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of Paul O'Grady passing. A funny man, with incredibly quick wit, who made millions laugh."

Charlotte Hawkins, of Good Morning Britain, said: "Oh no, such sad news... what a warm-hearted, hugely talented and funny man he was. Plus a dog-lover of course."

"Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven," wrote TV presenter Carol Vorderman.

"Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home described O'Grady as a "devoted animal lover" and a "champion for the underdog".

The organisation, for which the TV star was an ambassador, praised his "razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth".

Its chief executive Peter Laurie said: "Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres.

"Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity."

TV presenter Les Dennis said O'Grady was "a true comedy great", adding his "twinkly, mischievous presence" would be missed.

Fellow broadcaster Vernon Kay said O'Grady was "always a joy to be around" and described the presenter as "one of the best".

Meanwhile, presenter Toby Anstis said O'Grady was "hugely talented" and "the warmest, loveliest man".

"Loved by so many, gone too soon," he added.

Danny Beard, winner of the fourth series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, said O'Grady was "the most important person in British culture for drag".

"I don't think there's anyone who does the job that I do that doesn't class Paul as an icon," Beard told BBC Breakfast.

"Paul was a trailblazer, they were on telly just after the AIDS crisis.

"They've been the most important person, I think, in British culture for drag, for the queer community.

"This is a really sad loss today."

-sky news