Paul O’Grady death: Lily Savage star’s final heartbreaking Instagram post just weeks before death

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Paul O’Grady was famous for his love of all animals and had a deep connection with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - his last Instagram post was a heartbreaking one

Paul O’Grady’s final heartbreaking Instagram post has shown the depth of his love for his beloved animals. The television presenter and radio DJ died on Tuesday ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, with his husband of six-years, Andre Portasio, releasing a statement confirming his death.

Mr Portasio said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening (Tuesday March 28). He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."

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And his last Instagram post is a real tear-jerker, with O’Grady’s final image shared to his 745,000 followers over the death of one of his many beloved animals, a pig named Tom Tom on March 13.

The caption read: “Got back from a week in Newcastle playing Miss Hannigan in Annie to find that Tom Tom, one of my pigs, had been put to sleep. I knew it was coming as he’d been diagnosed with a tumour but even so, it’s awful when you lose a pet.

“He was the cheekiest of the gang and one of the other pigs who was obviously very fond of him is now depressed and gone into mourning and there’s those who say animals don’t have feelings.

“On a lighter note, I’m thoroughly enjoying playing Hannigan again after so long, especially with a truly amazing and lovely cast. Next stop, Edinburgh.”

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Paul O’Grady with the Special Recognition award “For The Love of Dogs” during the National Television Awards 2018 at the O2 Arena on January 23, 2018 in London, England.  (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)Paul O’Grady with the Special Recognition award “For The Love of Dogs” during the National Television Awards 2018 at the O2 Arena on January 23, 2018 in London, England.  (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Paul O’Grady with the Special Recognition award “For The Love of Dogs” during the National Television Awards 2018 at the O2 Arena on January 23, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) | Getty Images

O’Grady, who rose to fame as drag act Lily Savage was famously a lover of all animals, and his home in Kent that he shared with his husband was packed with dogs, pigs, sheep, chickens, goats and even alpacas.

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