Entertainment
Paul O’Grady’s daughter Sharyn Mousley arrives to late star’s funeral carrying iconic Lily Savage wig-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
We’d recognise that mop anywhere.
Paul O’Grady’s alter ego Lily Savage was given a nod at his funeral service as his daughter Sharyn Mousley was seen arriving with her wig (Picture: PA)
Paul O’Grady’s daughter brought a fitting gift to her father’s final resting place with a reference to his alter ego Lily Savage.
The late comedian and presenter died in March at the age of 67, leading to an outpouring of love, which on Friday could be seen on the streets of Kent as O’Grady’s funeral took place.
His funeral was attended by his family, including husband Andre Portasio, close friends and family, with his daughter Sharyn Mousley seen arriving at the cemetery dressed all in black and with a veil over her face.
Mousley was accompanied by a younger boy, also dressed in black but with a leopard print tie – and carrying the wig famously worn by Lily Savage.
The giant blonde curls would look out of place almost anywhere else, but it was a fitting sight for the final goodbye to the beloved comedian, who helped bring drag into the mainstream through his Lily Savage act.
In another potential nod to the brilliant Lily, notes from O’Grady’s family were left outside the church, attached to wreaths of lilies ahead of the service.
Mousley clutched hands with a young man as they made their way to the ceremony (Picture: PA)
The wig was instantly recognisable as belonging to Lily Savage (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Mousley and O’Grady had a close relationship (Picture: Shutterstock)
Mousley herself left a note, addressing by the affectionate name given to him y his grandchildren.
She wrote: ‘Gongan, we miss you so much, Abel and Halo will never forget you.
‘Your little teddy is with you. I love you.’
At the same time, a note from his ‘heartbroken’ sister Sheila, Pete and Helen said: ‘Dear Paul, beloved and loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Will love, remember and miss you forever. Rest in peace.’
As well as being beloved by friends, family and fans across the nation, O’Grady was a renowned animal lover, and this too was reflected at his memorial service.
His love of dogs was also reflected at the funeral (Picture: PA)
Dog-lover O’Grady said putting Buster to sleep was one of the most difficult things he’d ever had to do (Picture: Shutterstock)
His dog, Buster, who died in 2009 after suffering from cancer, was remembered with a floral wreath in his image, which was placed inside the hearse to accompany O’Grady on his last journey.
Buster had often joined him on his teatime show The Paul O’Grady Show, and the presenter famously made the heartbreaking announcement on that show that his old friend had died, saying making the choice to put him down was both the ‘kindest’ and ‘worst’ things he had ever had to do.
The For The Love Of Dogs star died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on March 28 at the age of 67 and his cause of death was later revealed to be a cardiac arrhythmia.
More: Trending
O’Grady has now been laid to rest at a private congregation, with his coffin placed by the grave of his former partner Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005.
Mourners close to O’Grady have now moved on to a wake at Port Lumpne Safari Park in Kent, following a long and emotional day.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Entertainment – MetroRead More
