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'We've lost a real gem': Fans pay tribute to late Paul O'Grady aka Lily Savage after 'Blankety Blank' throwback episode

Paul O'Grady began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and then introduced 'The Lily Savage Show' on the BBC in 1997

LONDON, ENGLAND: While Paul O'Grady appeared on BBC One on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in a throwback episode of 'Blankety Blank' as his big-mouthed drag alter ego Lily Savage, fans paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor. It happened after the veteran TV host died on March 28, 2023, "unexpectedly and peacefully" at the age of 67.

O'Grady, who was named a BME in 2008 for his contributions to the entertainment industry, began performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s and then introduced 'The Lily Savage Show' on the BBC in 1997. He later returned to 'Blankety Blank', anchoring as Lily until 2002. This past weekend, viewers of the legendary game show took to Twitter to pay tribute to the comedian in large numbers, as per Daily Mail.

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'We've lost a real gem in Paul'

One Twitter user paid tribute to the multi-millionaire and wrote, "A reminder on the BBC right now of just how good Paul O'Grady was as Lily Savage on #BlanketyBlank . Brought the show to life and gave us all a laugh. We've lost a real gem in Paul." A second one wrote, "Watching Paul O'Grady smashing it on #LilySavage #BlanketyBlank@BBCOne Tears of laughter have momentarily replaced the tears of loss. Absolute force, there will never be better. Thanks for the gold Paul x."

Another audience member tweeted, "Fitting tribute at the end of tonight’s #BlanketyBlank can’t believe we’re never going to see Paul O Grady on our screens anymore him as #LilySavage was comedy gold and Paul was amazing Kind loyal what a man #PaulOGradyRIP thank you to the #BBC for showing us blankety Blank."

"Lovely for @BBCOne to televise a classic Lily Savage's Blankety Blank in honour of the life and legacy of Paul O'Grady - a trailblazer and icon of the drag community," wrote another Twitter user.

Someone else shared a clip of the throwback episode and wrote, "2/4/23 Hi I Watched @PaulOGradyShow Aka Lily Savage #BlanketyBlank Tribute to him and I Literally Cried at the End #RipPaulOgrady Gone but Never Forgotten he will be Sadly Missed one of my Fave's Who watched it?"

While someone else tweeted, "Growing up as a teenager blissfully entertained watching Paul O'Grady 5-6pm weekdays and now seeing a gun or roses tribute band deadicating knocking on heaven's door to him hits deep after his passing this week more than any other Tribute #rippaulogrady."

Another fan wrote, "Lily Savage giving an absolute lesson in how to present a game show on BBC1. So effortless and natural. And those legs.... #BlanketyBlank #RIPPaulOGrady."

One fan wrote, "Watching an old episode of Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage on Blankety Blank. He really was one, funny class act! #PaulOGrady #RIP #PaulOGradyRIP #RipPaulOGrady #LilySavage #BlanketyBlank #LilySavagesBlanketyBlank@BBCOne."

Paul O’Grady died 'unexpectedly and peacefully'

O'Grady, a TV host and comedian, died on March 28 in the evening at the age of 67. Andre Portasio, the spouse of the comedian since 2017, confirmed the news. He said, "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening."

According to recent reports, O'Grady had a net worth of £8.6 million ($10.6 million) throughout his career. The wealth that Portasio currently controls is also anticipated to be transferred in a will. The veteran comedian is also believed to have made more than £1.8 million ($2.2 million) in the 12 months before May 2022, according to The Sun.

O'Grady began performing in the 1970s under the name Lily Savage. He replaced Cilla Black as host of the Channel 5 relaunch of 'Blind Date' in 2017, and over the years, he also hosted ITV's 'For The Love of Dogs', which was connected to his work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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