ITV paid a 'silent' tribute to Paul O'Grady as the last ever series of For The Love Of Dogs with the late entertainer began. Series 11 of the hit TV show was filmed last year before O'Grady's 'unexpected' death, aged 67, last month.
The TV and radio star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on the evening of March 28, his husband Andre Portasio confirmed. "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," he added in a statement.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
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And on Thursday night (April 13), fans of O'Grady saw him looking joyful upon returning to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in a new series of his much-loved show, For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed months before his death. The programme, which sees O’Grady meet dogs brought to the centre in need of medical treatment, training and ultimately new homes, opened with a voiceover by the late entertainer.
"We’re back, the kennels are chock-a-block," he was heard saying. "The staff and me are worked off our feet, looking after the latest waifs and strays to come through the doors." During the episode, O’Grady, who rehomed five dogs from Battersea, admitted that "over the 11 years I’ve been here, I’ve fallen head over heels quite a few times" before adding "so I’m definitely not taking any more".
After the statement, the late comedian was introduced to a giant Newfoundland, named Peggy, who was in need of life-changing surgery on her back legs. And it is fair to say that O'Grady appeared rather smitten. Speaking to Shaun the vet, he admitted: "I’ve got a confession to make, I’m completely in love with this dog. She’s beautiful."
After learning about the surgery Peggy requires, an ever-cheerful O’Grady could be seen showering the two-year-old stray with love and saying: "It’s a long road ahead for Peggy, but I’m going to be here, for moral support and loads of cuddles." And that he was as he documented Peggy's progress before having to say a heartbreaking goodbye.
Later in the episode, O’Grady visited Peggy following her surgery and admitted to viewers that “Peggy steals the heart of everyone she meets and I’m head over heels” but parted ways with her after she was rehomed by a family who welcomed the "gentle giant". After cuddling and kissing her, he said: "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."
And as viewers watched O'Grady's last adventures at Battersea, some struggled to watch while others were found with tears in their eyes. @JulieTilley02 tweeted: "That was a hard watch. So lovely to see Paul though. His love and passion for the dogs was just wonderful. Gosh, he will be so missed. #paulogrady #fortheloveofdogs."
@WebbNicky wrote: "#POGDOGS absolutely love this programme you are going to be missed paul, got me in tears not just because of the dogs but cos you have gone." @RaeCX shared: "So hard watching #POGDOGS tonight. Not sure if my tears are for @RealPOGDogs or the dogs." @clairethehair49 added: "Absolutely heartbroken watching #POGDOGS, he even took on another dog bless him..Paul is going to be a massive miss, I am so sad about his passing..he was a total legend @Battersea_."
Following the first episode of the new series, ITV paid tribute by rolling the end credits in silence before a picture of appeared of O'Grady with one of the beloved positioned above the years in which the presenter was born and died. And fans were quick to praise the tribute.
@clairethehair49 said: "I hope the end of every episode of this final series is the same with the black screen,no music and the tribute at the end #POGDOGS I has to be like that, please @ITV keep it like that. R.I.P Paul, you will never be forgotten." @stevenhill2011 shared: "Beautiful tribute to Paul O’Grady for the Love of dogs Thank you so much."
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