An emotional goodbye from Paul O'Grady was shown on ITV tonight in scenes shot before the beloved star's tragic death.
For The Love Of Dogs series 11 began on ITV1 on Thursday night, presented by Paul O'Grady. The programme was shot before the star's sudden and tragic death.
And the episode contained an extremely moving and poignant scene where Paul said a sad goodbye to a rescue dog at Battersea Dogs Home that he had helped back to health, which viewers felt was speaking to the audience, too.
Read more: Brendan Murphy tribute ends Paul O'Grady tribute programme
Paul O'Grady said goodbye to rescue dog Peggy as she was readied for adoption with a new family, in a poignant scene which had viewers in tears.
He told viewers: "Peggy it's been a real privilege knowing you. It has. It's not every day you get to meet a special dog like you, you're very beautiful.
"But I've got to go now. All right sweetie. It's been lovely knowing you. Good luck. See ya."
After, he added: "Why me! It's too hard to say goodbye," before telling viewers about Peggy's new adopted home with a couple that will look after her even after Paul's gone.
"Well Peggy, I certainly don't need to worry about you any more," said Paul in the final moments of the episode, before it faded to silent credits.
But the silent credits, played without music, only stayed silent for a matter of mere moments before the ITV continuity announcer talked straight over the credits to tell viewers that the next episode of the series would return next week.
@colingunn1960 said: "So @ITV decided to do a tribute to the much loved & missed #paulogrady by not having any music during the end credits of #ForTheLoveOfDogs as a mark of respect. So why bloody ruin it with a voice-over? Very poor taste ITV."
@mm_jj06125 agreed: "@ITV was it really necessary to talk over the silent credits you? They're silent for a reason...no respect whatsoever. #POGDOGS"
But others said they found the episode extremely emotional and a 'tough watch', especially when Paul O'Grady said goodbye to one of the rescue dogs, Peggy.
@kellyrandall129 said: "Making me teary eyed can't believe Paul no longer here #POGDogs is hitting harder than usual."
@a__w89 said: "“It’s too hard to say goodbye” and he has said goodbye #pogdogs"
@clairelouiseutb said: "I’m bawling now just felt he was saying goodbye to everyone never mind to Peggy #POGDOGS"
@floral_fanatic added: "I’m in bits here. I just can’t believe Paul is not with us any more. He’s left such a massive hole in our lives. The way he was with the dogs shows what a gent he was"
@eliseeetw said: "Paul saying bye to Peggy sounding like he was saying bye to everyone #POGDOGS"
@loumartin15 said: "I’ve got to go now it’s been nice knowing you #POGDOGS"
@juliefly2 said: "OMG I’m sobbing. I’m glad they all found their forever homes especially Peggy it was very emotional seeing Paul saying goodbye"
@ninathoday said: "My heart just broke when he said to the Newfie “I’ve gotta go now”. He was such a lovely man".
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