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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Paul O'Grady's final TV appearance to air next month in series filmed before death

ITV has announced the final series of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will air on the channel, following the "unexpected" death of host Paul O'Grady.

TV favourite and comedian Paul passed away "unexpectedly" but "peacefully" on Tuesday, his husband Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement.

Late last year, Paul confirmed he had filmed a new series of his hit show - while a Christmas and Royal special aired in December.

Paul was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and his TV series followed the lives of some of the adorable pooches at the shelter who were there waiting to be homed.

From harrowing stories of abused pets, to dogs whose owners could no longer care for them, the pets who featured on the programme certainly pulled on the heart strings of viewers, and host Paul.

Now, ITV has confirmed that following Paul's death the series will still air, and will be back on screens next month.

In what will no doubt be a difficult viewing for loyal fans of the show, Paul will return to screens for what is likely his final TV appearance hosting the show he loves.

ITV has announced the final series of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will air on the channel (ITV)

ITV will also air a special tribute to the late star, days before his hit series airs as planned.

Sadly it seems Paul's hit show was always scheduled to air in April of this year, with him passing away just weeks before.

But ITV have vowed to air the series in full, in what will be his last known TV appearance and his final series of the loved show.

On Sunday 9 April at 8pm, ITV will be broadcasting For the Love of Paul O'Grady in tribute to Paul, and on Thursday 13 April fans can see his final series of For the Love of Dogs.

ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, paid tribute to the late TV presenter on Wednesday after the news of his death.

He said: "We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humour and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected with.

ITV will also air a special tribute to the late star (ITV)
TV favourite and comedian Paul passed away "unexpectedly" but "peacefully" on Tuesday, his husband Andre Portasio confirmed (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)

"He had a profound passion for animals too, which resonated with so many viewers, and For The Love of Dogs remains one of our best-loved series, and a really special programme for so many.

"All those who worked with Paul are shocked and deeply saddened at his passing and the thoughts of everyone at ITV are with Paul’s loved ones."

Announcing the tragic news in a statement on Wednesday morning, his husband Andre said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

“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 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.”

Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs is available to watch now on ITVX.

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