Paul O’Grady fans were left in tears as the ‘Life and Death of Lily Savage’ aired on ITV documenting the rise and fall of his infamous alter ego. Viewers tuning into ITV on Good Friday relived the creation and retirement of Lily Savage - the drag act alter ego of the late comedian Paul, who passed away in March last year at the age of 67. Alan first stepped out as Lily in 1978 with a performance at the Black Cap pub in Camden, North
London - and went on to conquer the world of prime time entertainment, hosting game shows including Blankety Blank, a talk show, and also working as a presenter on Channel 4 ’s The Big Breakfast. But in 2004, despite being able to command shows in drag, Paul opted to retire the act and Lily was never seen on stage or screen again. The documentary about the rise and demise of Lily featured archive footage of the star, while archive audio of Paul talking about her effectively gave the impression that he had narrated the one-off special. Hearing Paul lovingly reflect on his time playing Lily proved to be too emotional for many of his fans - who were sad to hear him speaking seemingly from beyond the grave. Taking to X, one fan commented: “Watching the Paul o Grady/ lily savage programme. Slightly bizarre Paul is narrating much of it. Loved Paul o Grady.” Paul sadly passed away in March last year at the age of 67 ( Image: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home) Get a PS5 Slim with 'free' GTA5 in Very Easter sale deal that saves nearly £90 Another wrote: “Feels a bit emotional hearing Paul's voice again while he's talking on this documentary about himself and Lily Savage.” While other fans confessed they were in tears watching the documentary. One typed: “I am still grieving the loss of Paul O’Grady and Lily Savage.” And another wrote: “I still cry that Paul O’Grady is dead #lifeanddeathoflilysavage #lilysavage #PaulOGrady." Another admitted they were in tears from the minute the show started airing. They wrote: “Lily Savage fans/ Paul O'Grady fans. On now ITV1 ‘The Life and Death of Lily Savage’ catch it on ITV1+1 I have already shed a tear. Beautiful Man.” Others also noted that Paul, and Lily’s,
comedy prowess has been unmatched. One wrote: “Still hard to believe Paul O'Grady is gone, Lily Savage was the much loved drag of old when it was about comedy & razer sharp wit & he had it in bucket loads, delivery was genius.” The documentary showed Lily’s origins, as Paul doodled images of
Women as a boy and then discovered the art of dressing up while watching the 1962 musical Gypsy, in his youth. When he moved to London from Cheshire, he broke into the drag performance scene - performing stand up in Camden and Vauxhall. The factual film also delved into the fact that Paul and Lily campaigned to improve gay rights in the 1980s. In particularly moving scenes, Paul’s
Friends and contemporaries reflected on the AIDs crisis of the ‘80s and how those suffering from the disease were ostracised from many in society. But Paul, dressed as Lily, visited sufferers in hospitals helping break down stigma. One touched viewer commented: "How wonderful to be reminded of the wit kindness & compassion of #PaulOGrady & of course the role model that was #LilySavage.” Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat ,
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