29 March 2024 , 19:15
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Paul O'Grady set aside a lump sum for his beloved dogs in his will.
The Lily Savage icon passed away 'unexpectedly but peacefully' at his home in Kent in March 2023, aged 67, from sudden cardiac arrhythmia. One year after his death, it was revealed who would look after Paul's dogs and what they were left behind by the legendary entertainer.
Paul was famous for his love of dogs and he dedicated much of his life to rescuing and rehoming pups in need. As well as welcoming his pets onto The Paul O'Grady Show and presenting ITV's For the Love of Dogs, he was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and a patron for Orangutan Appeal UK and Wildlife SOS.
Dogs left behind
Paul had five rescue dogs - Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie and Sausage - when he passed away. Both Nancy and Sausage were rescued from Battersea during filming for the hit television show. The star once said that "under no circumstances" was he allowed to go home with any more animals - but those two ended up being the exception.
Over the years, Paul's dogs featured on his social media, playing at home, cosying up with him on the sofa and causing mischief. Paul and his husband Andre Portasio also shared their land with chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas - though Paul sadly lost one of his dear pet pigs, Tom Tom, just before his death.
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Paul with his dachshund Sausage who was adopted from Battersea
Paul with his close friend Malcolm Prince and dog Conchita (PA)Generous gifts
Paul set aside a sizeable amount in his £15.5million will for his dogs. It stated that his five pups should get £125,000 in the wake of his death. He wrote: "The legacy shall mean £25,000 in respect of each animal. I direct that Joan shall take over the responsibility of each animal... to use each legacy for the upkeep and maintenance of each animal until its death."
His agent Joan Marshrons now cares for Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, and Sausage and will until they die. Paul also donated £500,000 to Battersea and left behind £775,000 to be given to causes he felt passionate about, including special donations of £50,000 each to elephant and orangutan charities. He also left £50,000 to the Salvation Army.
A dear friend of Paul shared words on his final wishes saying: "This is typical of Paul as he put his money where his mouth was by leaving cash to charities that had special meaning to him. And though £125,000 seems like a lot of money to spend on his dogs, they also meant the world to him and he wanted to ensure they always receive the best love and care."
Paul's pet goats Maleficent and Beebo sadly died two months after he passed (Instagram)Sad deaths
Andre announced the sad news that two of Paul's pets had died just two months after the late TV star passed. Andre revealed their goats, Maleficent and Beebo, had tragically died on the same day. In June 2023, Andre posted a photo of Paul and wrote on Instagram: "Bad news that keeps on coming... a very sad day at our house. @paulogrady goats Maleficent and Beebo have both passed away today."
Fans and famous pals were quick to comment underneath as they rushed to offer their condolences. Former Chattyman host Alan Carr wrote: "So sorry – awful just awful x." While Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden posted a crying emoji face, and ex-TV presenter Melanie Sykes said: "Sending so much love xxxx." Responding to one comment, Andre said the goats had died of 'old age'.
- The Life and Death of Lily Savage airs on ITV1 at 9pm tonight on Friday, March 29.