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Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Paul O'Grady honoured during special Olivier Awards tribute leaving viewers emotional

The Olivier Awards marked the death of entertainment icon Paul O'Grady with a special tribute to the stars we've lost.

Famous faces who passed away in the last 12 month were honoured at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, leaving viewers and those watching in the audience overcome with emotion.

Darius Campbell-Danesh, Nicholas Lloyd Webber and Dame Angela Lansbury's faces also flashed up on the screen during the heartbreaking celebration of their lives.

Hilary Mantel, Burt Bacharach, Bernard Cribbins and Kay Mellor were also honoured in the sombre segment.

The EdArts Choir led by a powerful performance by Shanay Holmes put on a fitting show for the audience and those watching at home.

Shanay Holmes performed with the EdArts Choir during the emotional segment (Getty Images for SOLT)

It was particularly difficult as the showbiz world had lost two of the stars in the past ten days.

Theatre giant Andrew Lloyd Webber announced his Oscar-winning composer son has died from gastric cancer on March 25 following an 18-month battle. He was only 43 years old.

"I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital," Andrew said in an emotional statement.

"His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. Thank you for all your thoughts during this difficult time."

Darius Campbell-Danesh was also honoured (Getty)

Paul O'Grady's death last Tuesday rocked the showbiz world as tributes continue to flood in.

His partner Andre Portasio said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion."

Singer Darius died in August 2022 after inhaling the anaesthetic drug ethyl chloride.

It was announced in October that Murder, She Wrote star Angela Lansbury died aged 96 after a glittering career in TV, film and Broadway.

Kay Mellor, who wrote hit series including ITV ’s Girlfriends, Band of Gold and The Syndicate, died aged 71, back in May.

Dame Hilary Mantel, the first female author to win the Booker prize twice, died in September after suffering a stroke.

Dame Angela Lansbury was also honoured (PA)

Legendary composer Burt Bacharach died aged 94 in February, while the world said goodbye to veteran actor Bernard Cribbins last summer.

Viewers were left battling the tears during the stunning In Memoriam segment, with Seasons Of Love from Rent being sang in the background.

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