ITV viewers will see Paul O'Grady become emotional as he bids farewell to a special dog in his final TV show.
Paul, also known for his famous drag alter ego Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on March 28 at the age of 67, his partner, Andre Portasio, said in a statement.
After rising to prominence as Lily Savage, he transitioned into mainstream broadcast media, including stints on daytime television, and fronted many popular shows - one of them being For The Love Of Dogs.
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Paul, who became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2012 after the success of For The Love Of Dogs, helps nurse Newfoundland Peggy back to health after an operation in the new series.
According to the Mirror, Paul desperately wants to adopt her, but says there is “no room at the inn”. He had already adopted several dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where the series is set, including Chihuahua-Jack Russell cross Eddie, Shih Tzu Boycie, Maltese Conchita, mongrels Arfur and Nancy, and a dachshund called Sausage.
Peggy had a three-and-a-half hour operation at the Royal Veterinary College to repair her back legs. Helped by Paul and a team of experts, the two-year-old then had eight weeks of physio, hydrotherapy and assisted walks in a supported harness before she could be rehomed.
But, sadly, in this case it was not to be with Paul, who tells her: “Oh dear, I wish I was ready for you, Peggy, but I am afraid I can’t do it this time, there is just no room at the inn. Peggy, it’s been a real privilege meeting you, it’s not every day you get to meet a special dog like you. You are very beautiful. It’s been lovely knowing you, take it easy, Peggy.”
But as Paul gets ready to leave, Peggy starts whining, leaving the presenter bereft, telling her: “Don’t start, Peggy please. I’m going to get a job on the railways. It’s too hard to say goodbye.”
Peggy is later rehomed with a family, who adore her. Paul is delighted, and not surprised. He says: “She steals the heart of everyone she meets and I am head over heels.”
Battersea said it has been "overwhelmed and touched" by donations from the public which have passed £100,000 after Paul's death.
* The 11th and final series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs starts on Thursday, 8.30pm, on ITV1 and ITVX.
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