When is Paul O’Grady’s funeral? Date, time and location of TV star’s service - and event at Kent safari park

Paul O'Grady is set to have two funerals - a private church service followed by a public celebration of life at a Kent safari park
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Plans for the late broadcaster Paul O'Grady, who passed away last month, aged 67, have been revealed. The For the Love of Dogs star's send off will take place at Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent, where Paul was a frequent visitor and where he had judged competitions.

The park is home to more than 900 endangered animals, and Paul lived just three miles from it. The Mail on Sunday revealed that a celebration of his life will take place there following a service at a local church.

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Paul was a gay icon to rose to fame as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage, performing in London's gay scene in the 1980s - he then made major TV appearances and became known for The Paul O'Grady Show and For the Love of Dogs. He died of cardiac arrhythmia on 28 March, leaving legions of fans devastated. He is survived by his husband Andre Portasio and his daughter Sharon.

The tragic news of Paul's death was followed by tributes from all corners of British celebrity life, including the Queen Consort Camilla who expressed her deep sadness. ITV aired a special documentary, For the Love of Paul O'Grady, about the animal lover’s life.

A Battersea Cats and Dogs Home tribute fund, set up in Paul's memory, has so far raised more than £250,000 for the charity where he was a patron and where he filmed his ITV show For the Love of Dogs. Paul's fans are hopeful that they will be able to take part in his final send off when funeral plans are revealed - this is what we know about Paul O’Grady’s funeral(s) so far.

BBC actress Amanda Mealing believes there could be two funerals for the late Paul O’Grady - Credit: Getty ImagesBBC actress Amanda Mealing believes there could be two funerals for the late Paul O’Grady - Credit: Getty Images
BBC actress Amanda Mealing believes there could be two funerals for the late Paul O’Grady - Credit: Getty Images

What were Paul O’Grady’s plans for his funeral?

Paul spoke about plans for his funeral back in 2017 - he had struggled with ill-health for years having survived heart attacks in 2002, 2006, and 2014, as well as kidney failure - so the star was aware of his own mortality.

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Paul joked in the interview for the Daily Mail that he wanted to be buried in a glass coffin and have his friend Jools Holland play the piano at the service whilst Tom Jones and Mica Paris sang. 

He said that he wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to help animals rather than for his impressive achievements over decades in radio and television.

Whilst Paul had previously joked that he wanted everyone to be weeping at his funeral, his friend Amanda revealed that he had told her that he wanted his friends to have a good time at the ceremony.

The BBC actress told Metro: “Whatever happens, Paul’s funeral will be a celebration of his life and it will be full of laughter.

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“He just told us to have a good time – he’d hate it if everyone was mawkish and morose. He would just say: “I don’t care, I won’t be here! Do whatever you want”.

Mealing also said that there had been plans to have two funerals for the TV personality - it has now been revealed that there will be a private funeral for close family and friends at a church in Kent, followed by a larger celebration of life at the Port Lympne Safari Park.

Paul O'Grady wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to help animals (Pic:Getty)Paul O'Grady wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to help animals (Pic:Getty)
Paul O'Grady wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to help animals (Pic:Getty)

When is Paul O’Grady’s funeral?

A date for Paul O’Grady’s funeral has now been revealed - Andre Portasio shared details of the private funeral on a local Facebook group. He said that a private funeral procession will be held in the Kent village of Aldington, where he and Paul lived.

The procession will take place on Thursday 20 April between 2.10pm-2.45pm. A private memorial and celebration of life will take place Port Lympne Safari Park, three miles from Aldington.

Can you watch Paul O’Grady’s funeral on TV?

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The private church funeral will not be recorded, as it will be small event for those closest to Paul. It has not been confirmed whether the event at Port Lympne Safari Park but details are likely to be revealed in the coming days. Watch this space for updates.

She told the Mirror “Then everyone can come to that and it gives people a chance to fly in. There are ongoing conversations. We’ve also been asking: ‘Can we do something in Liverpool?’ because obviously they very much feel he’s their baby, it’s so difficult.”

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