Paul O’Grady’s nearest and dearest gathered to honour the late star at a service in London on Wednesday evening seven months after his death.
Amanda Holden, Carol Vorderman and Alan Carr were among the celebrity attendees at the memorial for the comedy veteran.
A gathering of 320 invited guests – including Paul’s husband Andre Portasio who gave a moving speech – came together at the Bloomsbury Ballroom.
Scouse star Paul, who shot to fame as trailblazing drag act Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ aged 67 in March.
Paul was laid to rest during an emotional funeral service in Kent in April before mourners headed to a wake at Port Lympne Safari Park, which was picked due to the entertainer’s love of animals.
Honoured: Paul O’Grady ‘s nearest and dearest gathered to honour the late star at a service in London on Wednesday evening seven months after his death (pictured Amanda Holden)
Attendees: Amanda Holden, Carol Vorderman (pictured) and Alan Carr were among the celebrity attendees at the memorial for the comedy veteran
Tragic loss: Scouse star Paul, who shot to fame as trailblazing drag act Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ aged 67 in March
Paying their respects: Amanda, who wore a blue velvet suit and a silk blouse, posed for pictures alongside her close friend Alan Carr
Paul’s loved ones gathered once again this week, as a host of stars from across the industry met to honour his memory.
Family, friends and colleagues from TV, theatre, radio and the world of cabaret were entertained by Jools Holland, Elaine C Smith, Peter Groom, Mark Trevorrow and Jo Brand reprising roles and songs that Paul loved.
Andre welcomed everyone with a moving speech and Julian Clary read the eulogy which had the audience roaring with laughter.
A touching personal tribute from Her Majesty Queen Camilla was read by Celia Imrie.
Clips were shown from the hundreds of shows that Paul performed and starred in over the years, from his days as Lily Savage through to For the Love of Dogs and his other animal programmes.
Amanda, who wore a blue velvet suit and a silk blouse, posed for pictures alongside her close friend Alan Carr.
It was reported this year that Amanda may be named as Paul’s replacement on his beloved show, For The Love Of Dogs.
The comedian was known as an avid dog-lover and fronted the documentary series since 2012.
Close friend: Also in attendance was Carol Vorderman and Julian Clary, who was a dear friend of Paul’s and read the eulogy at his funeral
Attendees: Carol Vorderman also attended the event to honour Paul
Windower: Andre was naturally among the group who gathered to pay tribute to Paul on Wednesday, as she joined the likes of Janet Street Porter and Gaby Roslin
Spokesperson: During the event Julian took to the stage to give a speech
Performer: Celia Imrie wore a crown as she talked about Paul on stage
Memorial: Loose Women star Janet Street Porter had been good friends with Paul
Pals: Gaby Roslin posed for a picture before heading into the event
The TV presenter was not only a friend of the late entertainer but is also an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where the show is based.
Also in attendance was Carol Vorderman and Julian Clary, who was a dear friend of Paul’s and read the eulogy at his funeral.
Earlier this week it was revealed Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been named after Paul following his decade long work with the veterinary hospital.
The animal charity has named their building after the For The Love Of Dogs presenter in memory of his renowned work with the cause.
Paul’s widower Andre Portasio was proud to hear that ‘Paul’s legacy would live on’ following the naming of the hospital.
Andre was naturally among the group who gathered to pay tribute to Paul on Wednesday, as she joined the likes of Janet Street Porter and Gaby Roslin.
It comes after Paul’s last episode of The Love Of Dogs left viewers in tears, as it opened with a very heartwarming message last month.
The beloved ITV show came to an end after a final run of episodes, aired after the beloved presenter died.
As if his farewell couldn’t be more touching, Paul said in the opening section: ‘Life is full of unknown twists and turns. So it’s always best to expect the unexpected.’
The broadcaster said the poignant remark while introducing ‘Battersea’s grumpiest resident’ – a five-year-old bulldog called Gary, whose owners had decided they could no longer keep him.
When the sun is shining and everyone’s got a spring in their step, Battersea is a happy place to be,’ he added.
Long-time viewers admitted they were moved to tears by Paul’s touching words, with one admitting they ‘missed him beyond words.’
During his life, Paul welcomed a number of rescue dogs into his home over the years and shared five dogs – Sausage, Conchita, Arfur, Eddie and Nancy – with Mr Portasio.
Star arrivals: Lizzie Cundy was also spotted arriving at the service
Photo: Carol Vorderman posed beside Lisa Maxwell at the event
Service: Sheila Hancock arrived at the memorial event with a guest
Brave face: Actress and author Celia Imrie looked smart for the occassion
Honour: Drag queen Jodie Harsh came to pay tribute to Paul – who played iconic Drag role Lily Savage
Guests: Cherie Blair made an appearance at the event
Support: Former Labour leader Ed Milliband also attended the event
Nancy and Sausage were rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an organisation for which Paul became an ambassador in 2012 after the success of For The Love Of Dogs, 11 series of which were filmed at the home.
Paul and Andre also had pigs, sheep, chickens, goats alpacas and barn owls at their home in Kent.
Paul died from cardiac arrhythmia on March 28, with many mourning the national treasure who found fame as Lily Savage and ITV’s multi-award-winning For the Love of Dogs TV which was watched by millions.
The popular presenter and comedian made his final journey flanked by a ‘dogs guard of honour’ from Battersea Dogs Home ahead of his funeral service.
After his death, the charity set up a ‘tribute fund’ which has so far raised more than £270,000.
Paul, who first found fame as acerbic drag Queen Lily Savage, became an ambassador for the animal charity in 2012 and rehomed five dogs while filming the show Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Speaking: Julian addressed the 320 guests in the audience
Reading: A touching personal tribute from Her Majesty Queen Camilla was read by Celia
Braving it: Celebrities battled the wintery weather conditions to pay their respects
Outside: Helen Worth attended the event with her husband Trevor Dawson
Celebs: Lizzie and Gaby were also pictured outside the venue
Comedian: Dawn French’s friend held an umbrealla over her head
Making his way: Julian arriving ahead of his speech at the event
Outing: Amanda and Alan arrived at the event together
Pictured: Amanda and Carol still looked glamorous despite the conditions
This way! Helen made her way inside the event
