ITV has confirmed a scheduling adjustment in honour of Paul O’Grady.
‘It is with tremendous regret that I notify you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but quietly yesterday evening,’ said his husband Andre Portasio.
‘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.’
In his honor, ITV will air a Royal special of his award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs at 5 p.m. this evening instead of game show The Chase.
Camilla, Queen Consort, has paid homage to her friend Paul, with whom she had a “special relationship.”
According to palace officials, the Queen Consort was ‘deeply grieved’ by the loss of O’Grady, whose ‘warm heart and contagious laughter lighted up the lives of so many’.
O’Grady and the monarch were photographed outside together, with the comic clutching onto a dog’s leash.
Last year, the Lily Savage artist talked about his friendship with Queen Consort Camilla, calling her a “really funny woman.”
‘You can have a great laugh with her and you don’t feel like you’re on ceremony,’ he said, according to the Daily Mail.
‘I always get a big hug and kiss from her, too, which always shocks everybody.’
They appeared together on the Christmas episode of the TV show For The Love of Dogs in December 2022.
When he announced the Queen Consort’s involvement in the show, O’Grady said: ‘A lovely lady who’s passionate about dogs. There was a competition to see who’s dog would run straight to their owner ignoring the food, squeaky toys etc put in their way.’
For The Love Of Dogs premieres on Wednesday at 5pm on ITV.