Paul O'Grady's husband pays heartbreaking tribute to Lily Savage star on milestone day

Paul O'Grady's widower, Andre Portasio, has paid an emotional tribute to the much-loved star on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary. The Lily Savage icon left his legion of loyal fans bereft when he died two years ago aged 67 from sudden cardiac arrythmia.

Former baller dancer, Andre, often posts tributes to Paul on social media and has today shared a photo of the pair on their wedding day in 2017, sporting sharp suits complete with matching corsages.

It comes after Andre told us that life without the Scouse star has been difficultas he revealed he still watches videos of the presenter on the anniversary of Paul's death earlier this year.

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Paying tribute to his partner today, he wrote: "Today marks what would have been eight years of our vows. A day I hold close, though shadows now surround. Two years since you left, yet your memory remains, a whisper in my heart, gentle echoes of pain.

"Eighteen years we danced in love’s sweet glow, timeless moments only true hearts know. Though you are gone, your love still remains, a eternal flame amid life’s rains."

Telling Paul he will miss him forever, Andre heartbreakingly concluded: "Forever missing you, my soul’s deepest ache, In every breath, your memory I take. Paul, you are my forever, my endless song— In my heart, you still belong."

Fans flocked to the tearjerking post, with many telling the dancer how much they too missed Paul. One replied: "Such beautiful words. Thinking of you. Miss Paul on the TV. He lit up everything."

It comes as Andre, who met Paul 11 years before they wed, opened up about life without the star in March on the second anniversary of his death. The heartbroken widower spoke to The Mirror and made a poignant admission as he revealed the reality of his grief.

The beloved broadcaster, who previously doubted whether he'd make it to 60 or not, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on March 28, 2023. Paul's official death certificate confirmed he'd died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, which, according to the British Heart Foundation, usually occurs when an untreated abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia, leads to a cardiac arrest.

“I wanted to be as far away as possible again for the anniversary,” Andre admitted. "I have been ok. 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?”

In quiet moments, Andre said how he often looked at videos of Paul, who died at the home they shared in Kent. “I normally enjoy watching videos of him,” he said.

“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.”

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