Devastated staff at a Scots bar which Paul O'Grady regularly dropped into have paid tribute to the "iconic legend" following his death on Tuesday.
The much-loved comedian and talk show host often popped into Planet Bar, one of the longest-running gay bars in Edinburgh, for a drink and a catch up whenever he was in the city.
The venue welcomed the star just last week, on Thursday, March 23, after a performance in Annie the Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Manager Darren Patterson told the Daily Record he and his colleagues had been left "absolutely heartbroken".
He said: "We're all devastated and we all got on very well with him. We're heartbroken.
"The LGBTQ+ community have lost an iconic legend, he was such a genuine iconic man and what you see is what you got. There were no airs and graces with him.
"He remembered my name even after 20 years which just goes to show what kind of person Paul is."
Paul had been touring the UK in Annie, playing Miss Hannigan, right up until his death, and he'd just wrapped up a show at the Playhouse last week when he headed over to his favourite Edinburgh night spot.
Darren told the Record that he was on top form when he came in to the bar, but there was a poignant moment when he admitted that he was the "last one standing" out of his iconic group of friends, which included the late Cilla Black and Barbara Windsor.
Darren added: "He came in after Annie with a few of the cast members, he's known to a few of the staff members, so he came in and had a drink, a quick catch up and he was up singing on the karaoke and having a wee dance.
"He was telling us stories about the past, talking about Barbara Windsor and Cilla Black. He even sang a song on the karaoke which he sang with them.
"He said he was the last one remaining."
Last night, Paul's husband Andre published the statement announcing his death, saying: "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."
Tributes flooded in for the late star on Wednesday. Lorraine Kelly described him as the 'kindest and funniest man'.
Taking to Instagram, the Scots broadcaster wrote: "Paul O Grady. The kindest, funniest man - warm, witty and wise. Dogs are the best judge of character and they LOVED him. #rip #love."
Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
Speaking on This Morning, Vanessa Feltz added: "He made time for people, he was very very busy and had a lovely partner and about a million animals and all these different shows but somehow he made you feel that he absolutely could focus on you and that's a big deal."
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