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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Paul O'Grady: Calls for statue to be built in Birkenhead | Paul O'Grady: Calls for statue to be built in Birkenhead |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Paul O'Grady died aged 67 on 28 March | Paul O'Grady died aged 67 on 28 March |
| More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for a statue of Paul O'Grady to be built in his hometown of Birkenhead. | More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for a statue of Paul O'Grady to be built in his hometown of Birkenhead. |
| The presenter and comedian, who rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died at the age of 67 last week. | The presenter and comedian, who rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died at the age of 67 last week. |
| The online campaign called on Wirral Council to "honour the life of such a great human being". | The online campaign called on Wirral Council to "honour the life of such a great human being". |
| The BBC has contacted the council for comment. | The BBC has contacted the council for comment. |
| Following the entertainer's unexpected death on 28 March, thousands of people shared their tributes and memories to the Merseyside star, who was renowned for his love of dogs. | Following the entertainer's unexpected death on 28 March, thousands of people shared their tributes and memories to the Merseyside star, who was renowned for his love of dogs. |
| The presenter and comedian rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage | The presenter and comedian rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage |
| Kieran Gabriel, who started the campaign for the memorial statue five days ago, said: "Paul has left a huge legacy with his trailblazing work as a drag artist, social and political causes, LGBT rights and of course, his love of animals. | |
| "This is a petition to Wirral Council, who must surely take stock of the huge outpouring of love in the wake of Paul's passing." | "This is a petition to Wirral Council, who must surely take stock of the huge outpouring of love in the wake of Paul's passing." |
| Referencing O'Grady's friend, TV presenter Cilla Black, who died in 2015 and was honoured with a life size bronze statue two years later, Mr Gabriel added: "Liverpool has Cilla, Birkenhead deserves Paul." | Referencing O'Grady's friend, TV presenter Cilla Black, who died in 2015 and was honoured with a life size bronze statue two years later, Mr Gabriel added: "Liverpool has Cilla, Birkenhead deserves Paul." |
| A petition has been launched to erect a statue in his hometown of Birkenhead | A petition has been launched to erect a statue in his hometown of Birkenhead |
| After his death, those paying tribute included Camilla, the Queen Consort, Sir Elton John, Amanda Holden, Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness, who described O'Grady as an "icon of British TV". | After his death, those paying tribute included Camilla, the Queen Consort, Sir Elton John, Amanda Holden, Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness, who described O'Grady as an "icon of British TV". |
| He was described as a "really special man" by ITV's Lorraine Kelly, who added that he was "funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise". | He was described as a "really special man" by ITV's Lorraine Kelly, who added that he was "funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise". |
| Danny Beard, winner of the fourth series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, told BBC Breakfast O'Grady was "the most important person in British culture for drag". | Danny Beard, winner of the fourth series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, told BBC Breakfast O'Grady was "the most important person in British culture for drag". |
| Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk | Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk |
| Related Topics | Related Topics |
| Paul O'Grady | Paul O'Grady |
| Metropolitan Borough of Wirral | Metropolitan Borough of Wirral |
| Birkenhead | Birkenhead |