Paul O'Grady's widower Andre Portasio marks eighth wedding anniversary with late star and reflects on 'echoes of pain' in poignant poem
Reflecting on feeling 'echoes of pain' in a poignant poem, the former ballet dancer, said he will miss his partner forever.
Scouse Comedian Paul, who shot to fame as trailblazing drag act Lily Savage, died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' in March 2023, aged 67.
Sharing some photos from their wedding day, Andre wrote: 'Today marks what would have been 8 years of our vows a day I hold close, though shadows now surround.
'Two years since you left, yet your memory remains, a whisper in my heart, gentle echoes of pain.
'Eighteen years we danced in love's sweet glow, timeless moments only true hearts know. Though you are gone, your love still remains, a eternal flame amid life's rains.'
He concluded: 'Forever missing you, my soul's deepest ache, In every breath, your memory I take. Paul, you are my forever, my endless song— In my heart, you still belong.
The pair started their relationship in 2006, before marrying in a 30-minute ceremony at the Goring Hotel 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.'
Last month, Andre slashed the price of the star's £3.5 million Edwardian mansion by 30%, it's been reported.
The sprawling property initially hit the market for £3.5 million in September but sparked little interest from buyers, resulting in the asking price dropping by almost £1 million to £2.65million in January this year.
However, following a fierce dispute with neighbours over his plans to convert a security hut, Andre has now reduced the price of the property even further.
The lavish home is now on the market for £2.4million, with the new price advertised on property sites including Zoopla as well as estate agents Strutt & Parker who are managing the property.
Knoll Hill House comes with a sprawling 20 acres of land, boasts impressive views of the Romney Marsh in Kent and has previously been described as 'the kind of house you'd find in one of those Enid Blyton books' by O'Grady's former partner Brendan Murphy, who died in 2005.
Once owned by fellow comedian Vic Reeves, the property mixes traditional elegant characteristics like French doors with quirkier qualities such as bookcase wallpaper and a Gypsy caravan in the garden.
Estate agent Strutt and Parker said: 'Knoll Hill House sits in a breathtaking position at the top of the escarpment above the Romney Marsh which affords the most sensational far-reaching views, looking across the marsh to the coast and the sea in the distance.
'Built in 1910 the house has much charm, providing a comfortable and spacious space in which to live and entertain against this stunning backdrop.'
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