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WEDDED BLISS

Was Paul O’Grady married?

PAUL O'Grady passed away on March 28, 2023, after a successful TV career lasting decades.

He tied the knot twice during his lifetime. Here, we look at those relationships.

 Paul O'Grady was married to Andre Portasio when he sadly passed away
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Paul O'Grady was married to Andre Portasio when he sadly passed awayCredit: REX

Was Paul O'Grady married?

Paul O'Grady got hitched twice in his life but usually kept his personal life to himself.

He rarely spoke about his relationships but talked about about his two marriages.

Teresa Fernandes

The late star's first marriage was to Portuguese model Teresa Fernandes.

She was a lesbian while Paul was gay, so they decided to marry in order to prevent her from being deported.

The two tied the knot back in 1977.

The pair only legally divorced in 2005 after being married for 28 years.

Paul admitted it was purely a "marriage of convenience".

In a past interview, the late star said: “Teresa, I call her the lesbian Portuguese barmaid, was lovely. She looked like David Cassidy.

“We worked in a club in Westbourne Grove, London, when I was 22.

"She was from a very strict Catholic family and was always being hassled by them: ‘Why aren’t you getting married?’ So I said: ‘Come on then, we’ll get married’, and we did."

Andre Portasio

Paul met former-professional ballet dancer Andre Portasio in 2006, before marrying him in the summer of 2017.

At first, the couple lived apart, but during the coronavirus pandemic, they moved in together.
Andrew taught ballet online, while Paul learned to play the ukulele and spent time baking.

The couple shared a sprawling property in Kent which featured a fruit orchard, an outdoor swimming pool and a summer house.

Who else had Paul O'Grady dated?

During his life, Paul was extremely private about his love life.

He even kept his wedding to Andre a secret.

However, we do know he had a relationship with a woman called Diane Jansen in the 70s.

Did Paul O'Grady have any children?

In 1974 Paul had a daughter, Sharon, with his friend Diane.

Paul shared a good relationship with his only child and even gave her away at her wedding.

He was also a doting grandfather to his daughter Sharon's kids, Abel and Halo.

When did Paul O'Grady die?

Paul sadly died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on March 28, 2023, his beloved partner confirmed.

Andre said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.

"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."

The Life and Death of Lily Savage is set to air on ITV1 on Friday March 29, 2024 at 9pm.

The documentary marks the first anniversary of the death of Paul and explores his life via his famous alter ego Lily Savage.

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