The Leader podcast: For the love of Paul O’Grady

Tributes continue to pour in following the sudden passing of British TV & radio icon Paul O’Grady at 67.

The Queen Consort said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of O’Grady’s passing, his “warm heart and infectious humour lit up the lives of so many”. ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly said he was "funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise"

In a post on Instagram, musician Sir Elton John, highlighted O’Grady’s campaign work for LGBTQ+ rights, saying; “Thank you for all the joy you brought into the world, Paul. You went places nobody had gone before and we will miss you very much.”

As a comedian Paul O’Grady rose to fame as his drag persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and 90s. Later, he enjoyed success as a presenter under his own name with his own TV and radio shows.

We take a look back at his incredible life and career as well as the force that was Lily Savage, with the Evening Standard’s Arts Correspondent, Robert Dex.

In part two, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Head of Canine Behaviour, Ali Taylor, explains what it was like filming ITV’s For the Love of Dogs with Paul and the lasting impact he’s had on the animal rescue centre.