Paul O’Grady’s final TV project, taped before his death in March this year at the age of 67, has been unveiled by ITV.
The late TV presenter died ‘unexpectedly but painlessly’ on March 28, and the popular personality was featured in the last episodes of Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs, which aired on April 13.
It has now been revealed that he will return to the screen in 2022 for a new series.
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.
The series will follow O’Grady travelling through Thailand and Laos ‘to celebrate the work done by elephant conservation centres to rescue, rehabilitate and protect these most majestic, but vulnerable, of animals’.
In a press release, they continued: ‘Thailand has the largest number of elephant rescue centres in the world while Laos is nicknamed the “land 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.’
ITV added that the project is ‘one that he was incredibly passionate about’.
O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio, who married the late star in 2017, confirmed the heartbreaking news of his husband’s death earlier this year.
‘It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,’ he said in a statement at the time. ‘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 Great Elephant Adventure is coming to ITV this autumn.
