Zoe Ball remembers ‘dear friend’ Paul O’Grady as BBC pays tribute to star following his death

Zoe Ball paid tribute to her “dear friend” and former colleague Paul O’Grady on her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

The comedian and broadcaster died aged 67 “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, his husband Andre Portasio said.

Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in for the star, including from Ball who worked with the late star on the Big Breakfast and was later a colleague at BBC Radio 2.

Addressing O’Grady’s death at the start of her radio show, Ball said: “We are all heavy of heart here this morning with the news [about] our dear friend Paul O’Grady.”

Paying tribute to him throughout her broadcast, the presenter told listeners that she “loved and adored him” as she shared memories of them together throughout the years.

Ball also revealed that had seen him perform recently as Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and remarked that he had “all of the energy as always”.

After playing a clip of an old interview in which O’Grady recalled someone coming up to him on the street and asking for advice about a rash, Ball commented that he felt like a friend to all.

She noted: “The thing about Paul, whenever people bumped into him in the street you always felt you could share anything with him… He just felt like such a friend to everyone.

“I know he touched so many hearts with his wicked sense of humour. Rest well gorgeous man. Superstar, give them hell up there my darling.”

After the show, Ball took to Twitter to share a beaming photo with the late star and some heartfelt words.

She penned: “Rest well dear Paul sending love & thoughts to your chap, your family and your friend producer Malcolm.

“Forever in our hearts gorgeous, funny, super smart and generous man, grateful for your love, support & friendship back on The Big Breakfast.

“Give ‘em hell up there darling”.

Ball’s heartfelt tribute comes as BBC’s director of music Lorna Clarke remembered the late broadcaster.

Clarke shared: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Paul O’Grady. He was a much loved presenter to the Radio 2 audience, and his unique sense of humour, charm and warmth touched the hearts of many.

“Paul will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”