British comedian Paul O'Grady's cause of 'unexpected' death aged 67 confirmed

British comedian and television presenter Paul O'Grady's cause of death has been confirmed weeks after he "unexpectedly" died aged 67.

O'Grady, who was behind the drag character Lily Savage, died on March 28 "peacefully" at home, his family announced via a statement at the time.

The official death certificate has since been obtained, and confirms that O'Grady died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.

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According to the British Heart Foundation, sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) is when a person dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest, but no obvious cause can be found for it.

O'Grady had been open about his history of heart disease, and before he turned 65, he had endured three heart attacks.

In 2020, O'Grady opened up about suffering three heart attacks and kidney failure. In 2017, he was hospitalised in India with kidney trouble while filming a new show.

He told The Sun at the time: "My cardiologist says I have the constitution of an ox. Three days after my last heart attack, I was back fire-eating with McFly."

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The Daily Express obtained his death certificate, which shows his former personal assistant and agent – and longtime friend – Joan Marshrons registered O'Grady's death six days after his passing.

O'Grady died "unexpectedly but peacefully" at home, with his husband Andre Portasio announcing the news to his fans and the world in a statement.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," Portasio wrote in March.

"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."

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"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion," Portasio continued.

"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."

Tributes quickly flooded in for O'Grady, who had been a beloved fixture in British media for many years.

O'Grady first began performing as his drag persona Lily Savage in the 1980s and performed for several years at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

He then went on to host Channel 4's The Big Breakfast in the UK in the mid-90s.

Just days before his death, O'Grady announced he would be hosting a new BBC show after he was axed from Radio 2.

O'Grady is survived by his daughter, Sharon, and partner Portasio.