A new episode of For the Love of Dogs aired the same day as its host Paul O'Grady was laid to rest and viewers were again in bits as the show saw the comedian and presenter help babysit some spaniel puppies. The timing of the episode, the second in this 11th series, is poignant after the comic's funeral procession was lined with dogs with their owners, including a whole line-up of pooches from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
O'Grady's fans made the same point that the timing of the episode was heartbreaking and that he was his inimitable self while getting bitten by a Doberman pup called Fudge and hosted a sweet and hilarious 100th birthday party for former Jack Russell stray Terry. the sweetest bit was that one of the spaniel puppies, born at the start of the episode, was called Lily like Paul's drag alter ego, Lily Savage.
Viewers were sad once more with one tweeting: "#POGDOGS always makes me emotional, tonight's episode is on a whole new level due to the loss of the lovely Paul O'Grady." Another said: "Tough watch this is, especially because Paul O’Grady was laid to rest today. I’m still very upset - it’s like he’s still here with us all #POGDOGS."
Read more: Crowds line the streets as star-studded funeral of Paul O'Grady takes place
A third said: "I’m in floods of tears after watching Paul O’Grady For the love of Dogs with his funeral being today your fans your family and Andre Portasio will miss you terribly RIP Paul I hope your friends are looking after you over the rainbow bridge"
And another added: "Paul O’Grady was in his element with dogs. So poignant that this was shown on the day he was laid to rest."
The 67-year-old died at his home on March 28 "unexpectedly but peacefully" according to his husband. It was later confirmed the Lily Savage star died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
The private service featured a guard of honour with dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and an appearance from the Salvation Army Band. Paul became an ambassador for the animal charity in 2012 and rehomed five dogs while filming the multiple award-winning ITV show. Following his death Battersea set up a “tribute fund” which has raised more than £270,000 for the charity.
For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here. Catch up with Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs on ITVX and ITV1 Thursdays at 8.30pm.
READ NEXT:
- The touching photos as icon Paul O'Grady is laid to rest
- Reunion Hotel: The emotional moment a Welsh former heroin addict reunites after 16 years with man who helped him get clean
Paul O'Grady's cause of death reported in official documents
Carol Vorderman shares video as she tries on bikinis ahead of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa stint
