Yahoo News Paul O'Grady's husband 'over the moon' as star gets posthumous honour
Fans were also thrilled to hear that the TV star was being recognised
Paul O’Grady's husband Andre Portasio is "over the moon" after the late star was posthumously awarded Freedom of the Borough by Wirral Council.
Comedian, actor and presenter O'Grady – who rose to fame as drag queen alter ego Lily Savage – died unexpectedly in March at the age of 67 and there have been many calls to honour his legacy in various ways.
A message on his Instagram account has now revealed that he has been given the council's top award.
Read more: Paul O'Grady died in bed beside husband, says close friend Linda Thorson
"@wirralcouncil have just voted to posthumously bestow the highest honour it has - the Freedom of the Borough - on @paulogrady," the post said, alongside a snap of the Birkenhead-born star.
"@andre_portasio and the family are over the moon with the news and would like to thank the then council leader Cllr Janette Williamson, who put forward the motion and all those who supported and voted for it.
"The boy from Birkenhead!"
"Paul would no doubt be surprised but very pleased with this honour," the message said.
Fans said they were "thrilled" and that few were more "deserving" than O'Grady, who was known for his love of animals and did a huge amount for dogs.
Many said they would now like to see a statue erected in honour of the For The Love Of Dogs star.
"LOVE to see a statue of him in the City of Liverpool please," said one.
"Now surely for the love of Paul a statue with dogs around should adorn the city," another fan remarked.
When did O'Grady and Portasio marry?
O'Grady and Portasio tied the knot in 2017.
After the TV star passed away, Portasio shared their last holiday photo on Instagram as he thanked his followers for all their support.
"I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out," he said.
Read more: My night out with Lily Savage: Remembering the brilliance of Paul O’Grady
"I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!"
Watch: Celebrities attend Paul O'Grady's funeral as dogs line the streets
