In the two years following Paul O’Grady’s death, loved ones have credited his husband Andre Portasio with ‘saving’ the TV star from an earlier death, following a string of health issues.

On Friday, the widower shared a heartbreaking final video of his partner filmed just 20 minutes before he died aged 67, describing him as a ‘genuinely kind man’ in a caption.

The tribute, posted on the second anniversary of the radio personality’s tragic death, was yet another example of a special bond between the pair which Christopher Biggins, Paul’s friend of 40 years, hailed last year.

‘He married a gorgeous man and I think that is what saved him from descending into life as a rogue,’ the actor told The Mirror.

On the second anniversary of the comedian’s death from cardiac arrhythmia, MailOnline takes a look at Paul’s 17-year relationship with his husband Andre.

A former professional ballet dancer – who has performed with the English National Ballet – Andre dated Paul for 11 years before they wed. 

Loved ones have credited Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio (pictured, in 2018) with ‘saving’ the TV star from an earlier death, following a string of health issues

On Friday, two years on from Paul’s death, the widower shared a final video of his partner filmed just 20 minutes before he died aged 67, calling him a ‘genuinely kind man’ in a caption 

The pair started their relationship in 2006, before marrying in a 30-minute ceremony at the Goring H๏τel in London in August 2017.

But the magical wedding might not have happened were it not for the advice of Paul’s close friend, fellow comedian Julian Clary.  

Paul previously explained: ‘Julian put the seed in my head. He said, “I’ve got married. You should.”

‘And he’s right, then you protect your partner. If anything happens to me, he is protected. It makes sense.

‘You feel more committed. You have made a vow, you have to stick to it. But we still fight like cat and dog.’

Paul insisted that he married life did not change the dynamic of the pair’s relationship, adding: ‘Married life is the same as before. We have known each other so long. Nothing has changed, really. 

‘And it’s nice. I like saying I’m married – better than saying I’m a divorcee, which I was before.’

A former professional ballet dancer – who has performed with the English National Ballet – Andre (pictured, in 2023) dated Paul for 11 years before they wed 

The pair started their relationship in 2006, before marrying in a 30-minute ceremony at the Goring H๏τel in London in August 2017 (pictured)

Paul insisted that he married life did not change the dynamic of the pair’s relationship, adding: ‘Married life is the same as before’ 

It comes after Andre shared Paul’s tragic final video on Friday, in which the much-loved TV icon thanked his fans for their support, while holding one of his beloved dogs, Eddie.

Paul spoke about his book ‘Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang’, after he had received an award for it.

Speaking in the video posted to Instagram on Friday, the radio presenter said: ‘Hello everybody, I’m Paul O’Grady and I just want to say a mᴀssive thank you for reading my book, and also for voting for it. I’m absolutely delighted with my award so thank you very much.’

The former drag queen – who sH๏τ to fame as his alter-ego of Lily Savage in the 1980s – was also known for his love of animals, and cuddled up with his corgi.

He added: ‘And by the way, this is Eddie, this is my dog. Aren’t you? You’re famous. And Butch in the book is based on this little one. You’re being very quiet today aren’t you? Anyway, once again, thank you so much. 

‘I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.’

In the caption of the post, Andre – who married the For the Love of Dogs star in 2017 – admitted that it is sometimes ‘hard to believe’ two years have pᴀssed since his husband died, and remembered him as a ‘genuinely kind man’ who cared about his fans.

He wrote: ‘It’s incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock. Today, my iPH๏τos reminded me of a lost video I recorded of Paul just 20 minutes before he sadly pᴀssed—what became the last recording he ever made to camera.

Friday’s tribute was yet another example of a special bond between the pair which Christopher Biggin (pictured, with the star in 2015), Paul’s friend of 40 years, hailed last year 

Paul and Andre might never have married each other were it not for the advice of Paul’s close friend, fellow comedian Julian Clary (pictured, with the radio personality in 2017)

‘In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was, expressing heartfelt graтιтude 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 pᴀssing. All the while, he’s surrounded by his beloved dogs. 

‘We miss you dearly, @paulogrady . Happy heavenly birthday!’

Several of Paul’s friends and fellow celebrities had noticed the post and took to the comments section to pay tribute.

Presenter Gaby Roslin described the clip as ‘special and precious’, whilst ‘EastEnders’ icon Michelle Collins felt “sad” at the realisation of just how “fragile” life can be.

She said: ‘This is unbelievable, so sad makes you realise what a wonderful person he was life can be so fragile we have to really embrace it like paul did, such a loss wish there were more like him x’.

Last year, Andre spoke out about the heartbreaking moment the comedian died in their home. 

Speaking to The Mirror, he told how nothing was out of the ordinary that day and the comedian had been in good spirits in the morning.

Widower Andre (pictured, right) held the comedian’s dog Conchita as they rode on Paul’s hearse at the funeral in 2023

At one point, Paul went into the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea and Andre heard a loud bang. 

As the couple lived in an old, noisy house, he thought nothing of it at first and thought Paul had probably stepped out to the cottage nearby they were renovating.

Andre said: ‘I walked to the kitchen to start putting some food on, and I started taking things out of the fridge. And all of a sudden, I could see him lying on the floor.

‘I just didn’t know what to think at first. He had a cut on his forehead, and I thought he was probably just unconscious. 

‘I called the ambulance and they said the best chance to keep him alive was to do CPR.’

Andre tried desperately to save his husband’s life, saying he was ‘exhausted’ by the time the ambulance arrived.

The ambulance crew spent an hour trying to resuscitate Paul and at one point told Andre he was breathing. 

It was short-lived, however, and they pronounced him ᴅᴇᴀᴅ soon after.

It comes after Andre shared Paul’s tragic final video on Friday, in which the much-loved TV icon thanked his fans for their support 

Paul spoke about his book ‘Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang’, after he had received an award for it 

In the caption of the post, Andre – who married the For the Love of Dogs star in 2017 – admitted that it is sometimes ‘hard to believe’ two years have pᴀssed since his husband died

Read MoreBREAKING NEWS Paul O’Grady’s widower shares final video of star taken 20 minutes before he died

Recalling the heartbreaking moment, Andre said: ‘Somehow Paul’s dog Arfur, who is one of his favourites, escaped and he nuzzled his face as he always did on Paul’s shoulder, as if to say ‘wake up’. It was just heartbreaking.’

Andre found Paul’s birthday in June very difficult and also struggled at Christmas, cancelling a planned meal with Paul’s family and spending the day alone.

One thing that helped him cope was the ‘outpouring of love’ for Paul as people kept coming to the house with flowers and cards.

Andre travelled to New Zealand in the run-up to the anniversary of Paul’s death as he couldn’t bear being at home.