The first episode in what will be the last series of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs was an emotional watch on Thursday night, following the late star’s death.
The legendary comedian died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on March 28 aged 67, with his partner Andre Portasio saying: ‘He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.’
Series 11 of the popular show based at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is airing as had been planned, but many were feeling especially tearful watching the TV star lark around with his beloved dogs now he is no longer with us.
The first episode also rolled the credits in silence in tribute to O’Grady.
The programme then ended with a picture of O’Grady and one of his beloved dogs positioned above the years in which the presenter was born and died.
‘Beautiful tribute to Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs, thank you so much,’ tweeted one viewer, while another admitted: ‘So sad watching #POGDOGS knowing @Battersea_ and the UK have lost a top class legend in Paul O’Grady.’
Beautiful tribute to Paul O’Grady for the Love of dogs Thank you so much
— Steven Alan Hill (@stevenhill2011) April 13, 2023
‘New series of For The Love Of Dogs a tough watch knowing presenter Paul O’Grady had left us. Very emotional,’ added another.
‘Still tears in my eyes watching Paul O’Grady but so enjoy the programme,’ shared one fan as a second said it was ‘hertbreaking knowing he’s gone’.
Paul personally rehomed several dogs from the centre, including during filming for the show, when he took home Eddie, a Chihuahua Jack Russell-cross puppy.
Eddie was joined by Boycie, a shih-tzu in 2014, Conchita, a Maltese in 2015, Arfur, a mongrel puppy in 2017, Nancy, another mongrel puppy in 2020, and Sausage, a wire-haired dachshund in 2021.
Thursday’s episode saw him appear smitten with a giant Newfoundland, named Peggy, in need of life-changing surgery on her back legs.
In the programme, O’Grady told Shaun the vet: ‘I’ve got a confession to make, I’m completely in love with this dog. She’s beautiful.’
After learning about the surgery Peggy required, 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.’
Later in the episode, O’Grady vadmitted 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’.
Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs continues on Thursday at 8:30pm on ITV1.
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