Paul O’Grady fans were left in tears as they watched the late star on his final season of For The Love Of Dogs.
The comedian, who died unexpectedly last month aged of 67, filmed the last season late last year but the new series was only released on Thursday.
The ITV docuseries has been airing since 2012 from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and sees the Lily Savage star explore the animals’ backgrounds before they get rehomed.
In Thursday’s episode, the entertainer met with a Newfoundland called Peggy, who needed life-changing surgery on her back legs after suffering ligament problems.
In emotional scenes, viewers watched as O’Grady became attached to the canine, cradling her head in his lap and telling the vet that he was “in love” with her.
He said: “Sean! I’ve got a confession to make. I’m completely in love with this dog! She’s beautiful. Please tell me this isn’t shocking bad news.”
And it was good news for Peggy as a team of experts nursed the pooch back to full health and rehomed her after eight weeks of physio and hydrotherapy.
Elsewhere in the episode, O’Grady helped a Bichon Frisé, who had been left terrified by humans after being left in a forest. He also met an excitable Labrastaff who was obsessed with water.
The beloved star’s return to TV left many at home emotional, who took to Twitter to admit they couldn’t hold back their tears in light of his sudden passing.
One wrote: “Peggy the Newfoundland, I may have a bit of grit in my eye. This series is gonna be a difficult watch, we’ll sure miss Paul O’Grady, one of the good guys.”
“Still tears in my eyes watching Paul O’Grady but so enjoy the Programme,” another penned.
A third added: “Paul O’Grady absolutely crying.”
“I just finished watching the first episode of For The Love Of Dogs with the late great Paul O’Grady,” another commented.
“So good to watch, but so sad to watch at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so bereft over someone I’ve never met, and feel like I’ve lost a friend!”
