A SOUTHEND blind activist has paid tribute to the “kind” and “down to earth” star Paul O’Grady after she met him during a Pride of Britain Award ceremony. 

Mr O’Grady passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, his partner Andre Portasio announced – sparking an outpouring of emotion across the country. 

Jill Allen-King OBE, 82, was presented with a Pride of Britain Award last year by the TV presenter and comedian during a glitzy ceremony in October. 

Mr O’Grady presented Mrs Allen-King, alongside her guide dog Jagger, with a lifetime achievement award.

Mrs Allen-King said: “It is very sad to hear this news. He presented me with the Pride of Britain award in October and he was just lovely.

“And not only did he present me with my award, he presented my Jagger with a medal as well.

“He was a real doggy man.

“In fact, it was only yesterday I was thinking about contacting him as when I spoke to him last year at the awards, we had to wait around for a while, so I was telling him all about Jagger, and potentially not having another guide dog in time for when he retires.

“Paul was really interested and told me to let me know how I get on and things. And after meeting Prime Minister last week, I said yesterday I was going to contact Paul and let him know.

“He was so interested about me and all about my guide dogs and my life, so to then hear this, it is really sad.

“He was A very nice and down to earth man, who was very genuinely concerned about me, and what would happen when Jagger retires.”

Mrs Allen-King is currently campaigning, alongside Southend West MP Anna Firth, after fearing she will be without a guide dog for up to two years when her dog retires in a couple of months. 

Recently, she met PM Rishi Sunak as part of her campaign.