PAUL O'GRADY'S £6.4M FORTUNE UNVEILED AFTER STAR'S DEATH AS CHARITY PRAISES 'GENEROSITY'

Paul O'Grady died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday, with the sad news being announced by his husband Andre Portasio.

As the country mourns and moves on from the devastating news, the star's net worth has been released, with Andre expected to be the main benefactor of his will.

Records filed by the late 67-year-old, obtained by The Sun, show his 12-month earnings up to May last year, with the presenter earning more than £1.8 million.

According to the publication, most of his money was in investments and the Lily Savage star had over £1 million sitting in the bank.

As of 2021, it was thought Paul's net worth sat at around £5.6 million, according to IdolNetWorth.

This comes as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home set up a tribute fund in Paul's name, heartbreakingly admitting he will "always be associated" with the charity.

The organisation was very close to Paul's heart, with it previously featuring on his ITV show, Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.

In a statement, they said: "Battersea joins the nation in mourning the loss of Paul O'Grady - an entertainment legend and much-loved Ambassador to our charity.

"We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and friends. To millions, Paul O'Grady is the popular TV and radio presenter and comedian who lit up their screens with his razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth.

"Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell in love with every dog he met at our centres.

"Paul will always be associated with Battersea, and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.

"Paul loved Battersea so much and we cannot thank him enough for everything he did for our charity and for rescuing animals worldwide.

"We will forever be indebted to him for his endless generosity and support."

The charity has also said that they have been "overwhelmed and touched" following a surge in public donations after the late broadcaster's death.

Chief Executive Paul Laurie told PA that the organisation had been inundated with support from the public.

In a statement to the PA news agency, Laurie said: "Over the coming weeks and months, Battersea will be finding the best way to pay tribute to our wonderful friend and ambassador, the late, great Paul O'Grady MBE.

"We have been overwhelmed and touched by the countless letters, calls, emails and messages of support along with the generous donations made by kind members of the public this week.

"We will be looking to find a suitably fitting way to remember the profound impact Paul had at Battersea and the rescue animal sector, something that will support the animals that Paul loved so much and that would make him proud."

Paul was given a special recognition award at the 2018 National Television Awards for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide.

His contribution to animal welfare was also recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award.

Last year Paul was even joined by the Queen Consort in a one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea.

2023-04-01T15:14:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd