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15th April 2023
02:43pm BST
Paul O'Grady's cause of death has been confirmed just over two weeks since the beloved TV presenter died at home.
A statement shared by his family at the time said the 67-year-old passed away at his Kent residence on March 28, "unexpectedly but peacefully".
His death certificate has since revealed the comedian and broadcaster died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, also known as, SADS .
The British Health Foundation says SADS is when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found.
O'Grady had previously spoken about his heat troubles and had endured three heart attacks before the age of 65.
His death certificate, obtained by the Daily Express, showed long-time friend and former PA and agent, Joan Marshrons, registered the entertainer's death six days after he passed.
O'Grady's death was announced midway through his UK tour of the musical, Annie, and just days after he signed a new contract with Boom Radio station.
An icon of British entertainment, comedy and drag, O’Grady first rose to fame for his drag queen persona Lily Savage and hosted a number of game shows including Blankety Blank.
He also hosted his own talk show – The Paul O’Grady Show – on Channel 4 and was fondly known for his love of animals, in particular dogs.
Whilst his legacy in British entertainment will live on, a Change.org petition was launched earlier for a statue to be built in his hometown of Birkenhead so that his legacy will be ‘immortalised’ in his hometown. As of Saturday afternoon, 143,000 had signed it.
The campaign was started by Kieran Gabriel who wrote: “It only feels right to honour the life of such a great human being by immortalising him in statue form, in his hometown of Birkenhead.
“Paul has left a huge legacy with his trailblazing work as a drag artist, social and political causes, LGBT rights and of course, his love of animals.
“This is a petition to the Wirral Council, who must surely take stock of the huge outpouring of love in the wake of Paul’s passing. Liverpool has Cilla, Birkenhead deserves Paul.”
One of his best known shows was ‘For The Love Of Dogs’, a documentary series hosted by the presenter, which saw him meet members of staff and animals at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Following the show, O’Grady was made an ambassador of the rescue centre, and since his death, Battersea has been flooded with donations.
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