It has been announced that Paul O'Grady has sadly passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully”, aged 67.

He was currently appearing in the new UK tour of Annie as Miss Hannigan, sharing the role with Craig Revel Horwood, Jodie Prenger and Elaine C Smith.

O’Grady had previously appeared on stage in Cinderella and Goldilocks and the Three Bears at London Palladium, and played the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The much loved comedian, actor and TV presenter created his drag alter ego, Lily Savage, early on in his career before phasing the persona out the late 90’s to carve out a career as himself; an incredibly successful one spanning over 30 years.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.