Paul O’Grady’s last radio show will be rebroadcast on Easter Sunday in tribute to the late comedian and TV star.

The two-hour show, which originally aired on Boom Radio on Christmas Day last year, will be played on the station in its entirety, including all festive elements.

Paul had been scheduled to make his return to the airwaves for the show following his departure from BBC Radio 2.

It will air on Easter Sunday (April 9) at 2pm, the time previously scheduled for his return.

He had been set to host the programme from his home alongside producer and long-time friend Malcolm Prince – who will introduce the special airing.

“Paul was really proud of the show and he’d find this festive repeat at Easter time very amusing,” Mr Prince said.

“The sentiments in the show feel so right too – hope, wish, fulfilment, joy — even love.”

The 67-year-old joined Boom Radio last Christmas after 14 years at BBC Radio 2.

The station planned an Easter special which it had hoped would be the start of a more regular series with the presenter.

O’Grady, also known for his famous drag alter ego Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday at the age of 67, his partner, Andre Portasio, said in a statement.

And villagers in Aldington, near Ashford, paid tribute to their friend and neighbour, calling him a "fabulous, kind person".

Having lived in Kent for more than 26 years, he had become a well-known face in the community and had become involved with local activities such as dog shows and village fetes.

Residents speaking to KentOnline shared their fond memories of their interactions with Paul over the years.

Neighbour Francoise Montford said Paul has been "a great asset to this village" and she will miss his sense of humour.

"Paul has been a very kind person and we're all going to miss him," the 78-year-old added.

"He did a lot for the primary school. He used to always come along to the summer fetes with his dogs and never asked for any money.

"He had a kind heart, he never praised himself like other actors do and he cared very deeply for animals.

"He was always joking, I once went up the hill on my mobility scooter and he was following on his bike.

"He called me a slow coach and offered to push me."

Saxon Shore ward Cllr Linda Harman (Ashford Independent) says the news of his death has really shaken up the community.

"We woke up this morning to the extremely sad and shocking news of losing Paul," she said.

"Paul has been a staunch member and supporter of this village, most recently judging our dog show last summer.

"He always gave up his time and sometimes his money very freely to support this village.

'They just want to hear Paul’s voice again...'

"He is, as everyone has described, a fabulous, kind, normal person who never stood on a celebrity status.

"We loved having him here and we are going to miss him a lot."

After rising to prominence as Savage, he transitioned into mainstream broadcast media, including stints on daytime television, and fronted many popular shows.

Boom Radio was founded during the pandemic by former radio executives Riley and David Lloyd, and saw presenters hosting shows and playing music from their garden sheds and bedrooms.

Lloyd said the decision to re-air O’Grady’s final show had been by popular demand.

“We’ve been inundated with emails from listeners in the last 24 hours pleading to hear the show again, regardless of the festive flavour. They just want to hear Paul’s voice again,” he said.

The Paul O’Grady Christmas Special is on Boom Radio at 2pm on Easter Day.