Paul O'Grady's wild antics prompted Mick Jagger to say he was a 'bad influence'

The late Paul O'Grady was once branded a "bad influence" by rockstar Mick Jagger during the height of his Lily Savage fame.

By Samantha Leathers, Lifestyle Reporter

Sally Lindsay breaks down in tears as she pays tribute to Paul O'Grady

Floods of tributes poured in on Tuesday evening when it was revealed that much beloved British television personality Paul O’Grady had suddenly .

The star’s four-decade career in the public eye began when he gained notoriety in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s with his trailblazing drag queen persona Lily Savage.

Paul quickly rose to fame and gained a close circle of A-list pals.

The comedian revealed in 2019 in an interview with The Mirror that by the 1990s, the notoriously raucous members of rock band The Rolling Stones were actually advised to avoid him.

Paul claimed he was “threatened” by the band’s frontman to stay away from guitarist Ronnie Wood.

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Ronnie Wood

Mick Jagger urged Paul to stay away from guitarist Ronnie Wood (Image: GETTY)

He added: “(Mick) said I was a bad influence. The cheek.”

The comedian had previously revealed that his drug usage to avoid jail as he approached security guards at an airport in Thailand.

In similar extraordinary tales, just a month before Paul’s revelations about Mick, Ronnie had some secrets of his own to tell.

The guitarist, now 75, divulged how at the height of his own drug addiction he would bring a bunsen burner to parties in order to smoke cocaine.

Lily Savage

Paul's alter-ego Lily Savage garnered the comedian a reputation among other stars (Image: GETTY)

In 2001, Paul suffered a near-fatal heart attack and slowed down his wild ways, telling The Mirror that he was living a “very clean lifestyle these days”.

Years later the comedian started his much-beloved TV show, For the Love of Dogs, showing off the soft side that audiences came to know and adore over the last two decades.

Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, broke the heartwrenching news to fans earlier this week saying: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

Paul O'Grady

Paul's heartbroken husband Andre revealed the devastating news earlier this week (Image: GETTY)

"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."

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