Details of Paul O’Grady’s funeral procession have been revealed, as his husband thanked supporters for their “support and love”.
O’Grady, a TV presenter and comedian, died of sudden cardiac arrhythmia last month at his home in the village of Aldington in Kent.
He was 67.
His husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups on Monday, expressing his “deepest gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love I have received since the passing of our beloved Paul O’Grady”.
“Your kind messages, beautiful flowers, and thoughtful texts of condolences have brought me comfort and solace during this difficult time.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support and love I have received from our community and we want to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity,” he said.
He said that a private funeral would be held for O’Grady on Thursday 20 April.
But he added that the TV star “cared a lot about his local community” and, therefore, a funeral procession will pass through Aldington before heading to the church “as a way of marking Paul’s affection for the area”.
Residents are invited to stand on Roman Road, Forge Hill or New Road Hill between 2.10pm and 2.45pm on Thursday, although Mr Portasio asked them to “respect the villagers and the local area”.
Paul O’Grady and Andre Portasio in 2019
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Unexpected details from life of Paul O’Grady
Paul O’Grady’s life in pictures
Queen Consort leads tributes to Paul O’Grady
O’Grady lived in Aldington, near Ashford, for more than 20 years and was a well-known face in the village.
According to local media, he attended summer fetes, supported the primary school and last year judged a local dog show held on the village green.
He married Mr Portasio, a former professional dancer, in 2017.