Fans of Paul O’Grady were left in tears when the final episode of For The Love of Dogs aired on Thursday night.
The famed comic, also known for his drag queen identity Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ on March 28 at the age of 67, according to his boyfriend Andre Portasio, who added, ‘He will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who liked his humour, wit, and compassion.’
Fans of the LGBT+ campaigner and animal lover, as well as celebrities from around the world, have paid tribute to O’Grady in recent months, with broadcasters broadcasting previous TV appearances and interviews with the famous comic resurfacing.
Series 11 of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs began airing posthumously, but it has already concluded, leaving fans devastated.
The episode began with O’Grady saying: ‘Life is full of its unknown twists and turns… so it’s always best to expect the unexpected.’
The episode then showed O’Grady with a ‘smart man’ bulldog, two lovely little kittens, and the animal-lover ecstatic at a hostel initiative that allows homeless people to bring their pets.
Viewers experienced a ‘bittersweet’ moment while watching one of his farewell television appearances.
One wrote: ‘I’ve watched every episode of Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs over the past 11 years, and I’m sad tonight was the very last edition. What a legacy Paul left.’
Another said: ‘The fact that it’s the last ever #PaulOGrady For the Love of Dogs makes it all the more bittersweet and poignant and so hard to come to terms with. Paul O’Grady you will be forever missed.’
Someone else wrote: ‘Catching up with the last ever #pogdogs. I just can’t. Firstly, those kittens. And secondly, in a week where cruelty and hate has dominated our discussions about the airwaves, it seems cruel that we’re in a Paul O’Grady less world.’
Oh no, can’t believe it’s the last episode of #pogdogs tonight, I’m really going to miss Paul 💔 https://t.co/vfotJG0XmN
— Julie Smith (@JulieSmith2001) September 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/transchronic/status/1707483900866371663
Aw just watched the last show with tear in my eye. Such a loss, amazing ambassador for #BatterseaDogs a one-off sadly missed#PaulOGrady
#POGDogs— Caroline – not sweet! (@CarolinePrice99) September 28, 2023
Thank you for everything you’ve done Paul 💙 You’re sorely missed #POGDOGS https://t.co/QMML6cTKaa
— Nadine Erskine 🐘🐬🎭🏳️🌈📺🎾⚽️🎥 (@NadineErskine) September 28, 2023
I still find the loss of Paul O’Grady utterly unbearable#ForTheLoveOfDogs
— Siob, Princess of Yorkshire #FBPE #FBR (@Sillyshib) September 28, 2023
What a lovely final episode of #POGdogs
I really hope @Battersea_ make a new series, I know it won’t be the same without Paul O’Grady though 💔— Julie Smith (@JulieSmith2001) September 28, 2023
Catching up with the last ever #pogdogs.
I just can't. Firstly, those kittens. And secondly, in a week where cruelty and hate has dominated our discussions about the airwaves, it seems cruel that we're in a Paul O'Grady less world.
— Aaron James (@aaronjamesf1) September 28, 2023
The fact that it's the last ever #PaulOGrady For the Love of Dogs makes it all the more bittersweet and poignant and so hard to come to terms with 💔😭❤️
Paul O'Grady you will be forever missed 💗#POGDOGS— Shaky🌸🌼💖 (@ShakyWoon) September 28, 2023
I've watched every episode of Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs over the past 11 years, and I'm sad tonight was the very last edition. What a legacy Paul left ❤️
— Lewis (@lewispringle) September 28, 2023
However, this will not be O’Grady’s final TV appearance, since it has previously been reported that he will return to screens for a new season, which was taped last year.
Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure, a two-part documentary, will air on ITV later this year, and the network has teased what to anticipate.
O’Grady will travel to Thailand and Laos “to celebrate the work done by elephant conservation centres to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these most majestic, but vulnerable, of animals.”
They said in a press release, “Thailand has the most elephant rescue centres in the world, while Laos is known as the “country of a million elephants,” and each episode sees Paul travel across the region to roll up his sleeves and muck in to help out at a different rescue centre.”
‘Along the way, Paul also heads out from the sanctuaries to grab a slice of local life by exploring nearby colourful markets, temples, apothecaries and sampling the local cuisine.
‘Each episode highlights a particular challenge faced by elephants in the region and as ever – Paul’s love for animals shines throughout the series. The tone is warm, playful and heartfelt and always characterised by his much-loved wit and humour.’
According to ITV, the project is “one that he was incredibly passionate about.”
This follows O’Grady’s recognition at this year’s National Television Awards, where a montage of his career was shown.
Host Joel Dommett said: ‘Nominated an astonishing 28 times for an NTA, his first nearly 30 years ago, his career came in many guises and no matter what he did, there was always kindness coupled with a unique sense of fun that won over audiences in an instant’.
O’Grady won the Factual Entertainment Category for For The Love Of Dogs.
Representatives from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home accepted the award and one of them said: ‘I would like to thank Paul, of course, and the ITV team… for shining a light on the care that we’re able to provide for the 100 or more dogs and cats that come to Battersea every week.
‘I know that Paul cared deeply for each and every one of those animals.
‘I think that something about their plight and their vulnerability really struck a chord with Paul. He often referred to Battersea as his second home.’
Dog Riley attempted to disrupt the speech with loud barks, which caused the crowd to coo.
In a particularly poignant moment when the speech-giver said: ‘We will really miss him,’ Riley gave their loudest bark.
For The Love of Dogs is available to watch on ITVX.
