Paul O’Grady’s funeral to be held at favourite safari park after his sudden death at 67 | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

One source told the newspaper: “Paul loved Port Lympne.

“He got to know some of its residents very well and it was thought by his nearest and dearest that it would be a beautiful idea to hold his funeral there so they are in attendance, too.

“Staff hope they can do him proud.”

Paul was a regular visitor to the park and had even judged competitions for them in the past.

It boasts 600 acres, which are home to 900 rare and endangered animals, including lions and tigers.

Express.co.uk has contacted representatives for Paul O’Grady and Port Lympne Safari Park.

Port Lympne previously paid tribute to Paul on Instagram following his shock death, writing: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul O’Grady – a local supporter of Port Lympne and the work we do.

“We were incredibly grateful to have had him visit us.”

It comes after pal, actress Amanda Mealing, shared how Paul wanted his funeral to be “full of laughter”.

She told the Mirror: “Whatever happens, Paul’s funeral will be a celebration of his life and it will be full of laughter.

“He just told us to have a good time. He’d hate it if everyone was morose.

“He would just say, ‘I don’t care, I won’t be here! Do whatever you want’.”