Paul O’Grady’s widower, André Portasio, has opened up about the loss of his husband as he marks the second anniversary of his death.
The presenter and TV host died aged 67 on March 28, 2023, from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
His death shocked fans, as his husband revealed that he died in their kitchen in their home in Kent.
Portasio has revealed that two years on from O’Grady’s death, he is constantly asking his late husband to guide him as he has to make ‘difficult decisions’.
‘I have been ok,’ he told The Mirror. ‘Life just continues. Paul is always in my mind. I’ve had to make so many difficult decisions now.
‘I am selling the house, and you just hope he is there to guide me. Am I doing the right thing, am I not?’
Portasio revealed that on the anniversary of O’Grady’s death, his phone reminded him of a video that his husband had taken just 20 minutes before he passed.
‘I went to bed and I looked at my phone and it showed a featured picture. I didn’t recognise what it was, and then when it came up I was like “oh my god.” I had totally forgotten about it. I thought it was a nice thing to share with his fans.’
Portasio shared the video on Instagram and captioned the post: ‘It’s incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock. Today, my iPhotos reminded me of a lost video I recorded of Paul just 20 minutes before he sadly passed—what became the last recording he ever made to camera.
‘In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone for supporting his book, which he recorded for an award ceremony he couldn’t attend. It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since his passing. All the while, he’s surrounded by his beloved dogs. We miss you dearly @paulogrady. Happy heavenly birthday!’
In the video Paul was seen cuddling up to his dog Eddie and talking about how his pets inspired the book he was thanking fans for reading.
He concluded the video with what would be his final ever message to fans as he said: ‘Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.’
Portasio told The Mirror that he frequently watches videos back of his late husband as it helps him to remember.
‘I normally enjoy watching videos of him. Sometimes I get upset but mostly I laugh about them. He was so funny. It also helps me to remember how funny and genuine and upbeat he was.”
The couple was together for 17 years and tied the knot in 2017 after dating for 11 years.
Portasio was a former professional ballet dancer who had performed with the English National Ballet and met the comedian in 2006.
In his 2012 autobiography Still Standing, O’Grady said that neither he or Portasio expected to fall in love: ‘Our relationship just crept up on us. It took us by surprise when we were least expecting it.’
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