Paul O'Grady's Country Life: Heart-warming and hilarious tales from Paul

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However, farm life isn’t always idyllic. In his book Country Life, the star said there’s a “real learning curve to living in a rural community”. He said: “Never buy a puppy off the internet as it’s more than likely they’ve come from unscrupulous puppy farms. The same goes for pet shops. And most importantly, having his own land meant Paul could finally give free rein to his love of animals. All that stems from my love of the farm when I was a kid in Glinsk, it never goes away stuff like that MyHome.ie (Opens in new window) • Top 1000 • The Gloss (Opens in new window) • Recruit Ireland (Opens in new window) • Irish Times Training (Opens in new window)

I’d never been to Kent but I was drawn to the house, which was falling down. I love living here now. Everything is heightened when you live in the country. The TV star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, a statement shared with the PA news agency via a representative said. He’s never showed pictures of the outside of the house, but often posted his pets, including pigs, llamas, goats, donkeys and his famous pooches.He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,” the professional ballerina said. O’Grady had a role in Jim Sheridan’s In the Name of the Father (1993), in which Daniel Day-Lewis won best leading actor at the Oscars. He spent three weeks filming in Kilmainham Gaol, including Easter Sunday, on the anniversary of the Easter Rising. Paul O'Grady at the National Television awards in 2014. O'Grady died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening. Photograph: Ian West/PA

Paul O’Grady lived with his husband Andre Portasio in Adlington, near Ashford in Kent, and his countryside home looks incredibly idyllic. Hidden away in the vast Kent countryside is a very rural village absolutely crawling with celebrities.Dog lover Paul O'Grady is often seen caring for various rescue dogs on his show, The Love of Dogs (Image: PA Photo/Battersea Dogs and Cats Home/ Shiver Production/ITV) And of course that barely lasted past day one. So you’ll have a whole diary for a year and all I’ll have written is, ‘Pipe burst in bathroom, ceiling fell in, f*** it’.

Any fan of Paul O'Grady will know of the love he has for animals so it will come as no surprise to find out he shares his home with a multitude of pets. Introducing the three new furry friends to his fans, he wrote: "The latest addition to the gang. La Verne, Patty and Maxine - The Alpaca Sisters. But Paul really loves his country life with his furry friends by his side, and even wrote a book about it. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, you are spoilt for choice for walks there, as well as along the nearby Royal Military Canal or along Dymchurch beach.Born in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, O’Grady was born to Irish parents. His mother’s maiden name was Savage – which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego, Lily Savage. His father came from Glinsk, Co Galway, and his mother from Co Louth. When Paul bought an isolated smallholding in the depths of the Kent countryside, complete with a barn, outbuildings and even its own wood, he confessed that not everyone was convinced he’d be suited to rural life. Anyone near will get a pint thrust in their hand whether they like it or not. ‘Drink it! Drink that milk!’” Born in a small area called Tranmere in Birkenhead, he moved down to London in the 80s and has now lived in Kent for more than two decades. More than two decades later, however, he was a confirmed country bumpkin, so much so that he even wrote a book about his experiences.

The joy for me of living in the countryside, you can let yourself go, I do anyway. I have friends who come down and go… when did you last have a wash? I’ve got no shoes and feet like a hobbit,” he continued. O’Grady and Portasio were married during a low-key wedding ceremony in 2017. – Additional reporting: PA Conor Capplis Paul moved to London from Birkenhead and while working as a social worker he began his comedy career on the pub and club circuit. The village can be found around five miles from Ashford and six miles from the coast at Hythe. Read More Related ArticlesJust a couple of miles away in the village of Bilsington is Priory Home Farm which is a well known equestrian, livery and riding school. Signing up to the KentLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox twice a day.