Paul O'Grady's final TV appearance will be broadcast tonight (Thursday), as the late star appears in his final ever series of For The Love Of Dogs.
The scenes were filmed shortly before Paul's sudden and unexpected death last month, and the opening episode will see the much-loved entertainer head over heels with a gorgeous Newfoundland who needs major life changing surgery on her back legs.
ITV viewers will also see animal lover Paul meet a lab cross at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, as well as helping a terrified bichon frise, who was found wandering around a forest, become less scared of the world.
READ MORE: ITV viewers 'bawling' after heartbreaking end to Paul O'Grady tribute show
Paul's husband Andre Portasio announced the comedy icon's "unexpected but peaceful death" on March 29, with tributes from Paul's famous friends and fans flooding in throughout the day. The Lily Savage star's death sparked a wave of donations for his beloved animal centre, with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home saying they were "overwhelmed and touched" by the reaction of the public.
Chief Executive Peter Laurie said the charity, which features in the comic’s ITV show, had received countless letters, calls, emails and messages of support. A "tribute fund" in memory of the star, who died aged 67, smashed through the £100,000 barrier just days on from news of his passing.
All the money donated will go towards the running of the much-loved charity, which has featured in 10 series of For The Love of Dogs. Speaking to the Mirror, Mr Laurie also hinted the home was considering a permanent tribute to the star.
He said: "We will be looking to find a suitably fitting way to remember the profound impact Paul had at Battersea and the rescue animal sector – something that will support the animals Paul loved so much, and that would make him proud."
Paul often spoke of his love for the show, and the home. In 2012 he said: "Hand on heart. This has been one of the nicest jobs I’ve ever had. Battersea is a magical place. People think it’s all doom and gloom but it’s not, it’s such a happy place. I’ve had a ball. It’s such an enriching place to work.
"Once I became really involved, I’d go home and worry about the dogs. I’d be ringing friends saying, ‘I’ve found a lovely dog for you’. The aim of the game for me became to re-home these dogs.
"I’d like to see this place empty. All go off to nice homes. Hopefully, after watching the programmes, that what’s going to happen."
Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs airs tonight at 8.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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