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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Celebrities turn out in full force for Paul O'Grady's funeral - Ronnie Wood to soap legends

Ronnie Wood, Jo Brand and soap stars were among dozens of famous faces who turned up to pay tribute to Paul O'Grady at his funeral in Aldington, Kent today.

The Lily Savage icon's husband announced the star's 'unexpected but peaceful death' on March 29, with tributes from Paul's famous friends and fans flooding in throughout the day.

Paul was an exceptionally popular figure in the showbiz world, with the late dad-of-one counting many legendary celebrities and political figures as his close friends.

As his husband Andre Portasio broke the heartbreaking news Paul had died last month, Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary and former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband were just some of the famous names to pay tribute to the much-loved comic.

Rolling Stones singer Ronnie Wood arrived with his partner (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

Remembering Paul for his activism, former Countdown star Carol, 62, said: "He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good."

MP Miliband added: "He wasn't just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn't have a platform, didn't have a voice, but he could do it in a totally compelling way, much more compelling than any politician."

Julian, who had a close friendship with Paul for many years, posted a snap of himself with the late star to his Twitter page as he paid tribute to his beloved pal.

Gaby Roslin arriving for the funeral of Paul O'Grady (PA)
EastEnders star Linda Henry was in attendance (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

He wrote as a caption: "Farewell to my fierce and funny friend. I'm going to miss you. #RIPPaulO'Grady."

Malcolm Prince, who worked as Paul’s producer on his Radio 2 show and was set to reunite with him for his Boom Radio gig, visited the star at his home just hours before his unexpected death.

"Yesterday afternoon I popped round to Paul’s for a good old catch-up," Malcolm wrote on social media as news of Paul's death broke on March 29.

Jo Brand was spotted arriving (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

"Surrounded by his beloved dogs, he was laughing, smiling, and full of life.

"He was so proud of ‘Annie’, so happy to be back on Boom Radio and he was looking forward to so many new projects.

"And now he’s gone, I can’t believe it."

Peter Tatchell appeared at the funeral (Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

He concluded his tribute with: "We have lost a unique talent – and I’ve lost a dear friend. We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives.

"My heart goes out to Andre, Paul’s family, and friends. Oh how I’ll miss him."

Global LGBTQ+ rights campaigner and founder of the Rainbow Honours Linda Riley said on March 29: "I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul O Grady. He was truly just one of a kind, so authentic and so witty but at the same time you could.

Jo Brand and Cheryl Fergison were seen arriving at Paul O'Grady's funeral together (Tim Merry)

"Feel his kind heart. I shared his politics too as such a strong lifelong Labour supporter. He used his platform to speak out for LGBTQI equality and speak up for the working class.

"I always have great memories of him at our events. He always had the room crying with laughter with his anecdotes and showbiz tales. He was one in a million and will be sorely missed."

Wellwishers at the Walnut Tree Pub wait for Paul O'Grady's funeral cortege to travel through the village (PA)

Announcing the tragic news in a statement in the early hours of the morning on March 29, Paul's husband Andre said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

"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."

Paul is survived by his husband, ex-wife Teresa Fernandes, daughter Sharon O'Grady, grandson Abel, granddaughter, Halo and Diane Jansen, the mother of his only daughter.

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