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Husband shares 'bittersweet' Paul O'Grady clip filmed 20 minutes before he died

Ian Youngs
Culture reporter
@paulogrady Paul O'Grady in an open-necked shirt and zip-up jumper holding his Chihuahua-Jack Russell cross dog Eddie@paulogrady
O'Grady was filmed holding one of his dogs, Eddie, who inspired his children's book

Paul O'Grady's husband has shared a "bittersweet" video the presenter filmed just 20 minutes before he died, which Andre Portasio said shows him "as the genuinely kind man he was".

In the 35-second clip, posted on the second anniversary of his death, O'Grady is seen with two of his beloved dogs, thanking voters who had given him an award.

The TV host died on 28 March 2023 from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at home in Kent at the age of 67.

"It's incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock," Portasio wrote in the caption.

"Today, my iPhotos reminded me of a lost video I recorded of Paul just 20 minutes before he sadly passed - what became the last recording he ever made to camera.

"In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone for supporting his book, which he recorded for an award ceremony he couldn't attend.

"It's hard to believe it's been two years since his passing. All the while, he's surrounded by his beloved dogs.

"We miss you dearly @paulogrady. Happy heavenly birthday!"

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O'Grady was known for hosting TV shows including For The Love Of Dogs, and had one of his pets, Eddie, on his lap as he filmed the video, with another, Sausage, by his side.

He recorded a message of thanks for reading and voting for his children's book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang.

O'Grady said: "I'm absolutely delighted with my award. So thank you very much.

"And by the way, this is Eddie. This is my dog. And Butch in the book is based on this little one."

Getty Images Paul O'Grady and Andre Portasio standing together and posing for the camera in suitsGetty Images
Paul O'Grady and Andre Portasio had been married for six years when he died

He remarked how quiet Eddie was before adding: "Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves."

In the replies, fellow TV presenter Gaby Roslin wrote: "Miss him so much. This is special and precious. Big love Andre."

Actress Michelle Collins added: "This is unbelievable, so sad. Makes you realise what a wonderful person he was. Life can be so fragile. We have to really embrace it like Paul did, such a loss. Wish there were more like him x"