Paul O'Grady's grandson pays touching Lily Savage tribute as showbiz icon laid to rest
20.04.2023 - 21:23
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Paul O'Grady's funeral had a huge turnout on Thursday, as the television icon was mourned by the masses at his hometown in Birkenhead and home in Adlington, Kent. The popular entertainer sadly passed away last month.
Family, friends and fans came from near and far to mark the 67-year-old's vibrant life. In heartbreaking images, Paul's beloved husband Andre Portasio, whom he had been married to for six years, clutched their Maltese pooch Conchita as he sat on a horse-drawn carriage as part of the funeral cortege.
Among the personal touches to the funeral procession on Thursday today was a lovable tribute to his late dog Buster, who fans will be familiar with from appearing alongside him on his chat show, the Mirror reports. His fluffy best pal tragically had to be put down in 2009, and flowers spelling Buster's name and a depiction of the dog sat by the coffin.
In another heartfelt moment, Paul's daughter Sharyn Mousley entered the church with her son holding the wig of Lily Savage – her father’s drag alter ego. And pallbearers carried the wooden coffin decorated with a wreath of lilies, while
A total of nine limousines followed with a cortege behind the hearse. Motorbikes came behind them as they passed through his home village of Aldington to St Rumwold’s Church in nearby Bonnington, Kent.
Reverend Canon Roger Martin welcomed family and friends including comedian Julian Clary, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, and the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell.
The Salvation Army Band played songs such as Tomorrow from the musical Annie, in which the late Paul O’Grady was starring in a touring production at the time of his tragically unexpected death last month.
The service opened with the sound of trumpets before You Gotta