Paul O’Grady’s final broadcast performance in For the Love of Dogs will premiere next month, according to ITV.
‘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.’
ITV confirmed a change in schedule yesterday, with Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special repeating at 5pm, and a special tribute programme For the Love of Paul O’Grady on Sunday at 8pm.
Series 11 of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs will premiere on ITV1 on Thursday, April 13, as planned.
‘We are lucky to have had a long affiliation with Paul at ITV,’ said Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment. He was a big, incomparable talent who delighted our viewers with his humour and entertainment with a warmth, humour, and pleasure that audiences of all ages could identify to and connect with.
‘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.’
Following the popularity of For the Love of Dogs, O’Grady became an advocate for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
He hosted the show for eleven seasons, revealing his “passion for all things dog,” according to the organisation in a tribute.
O’Grady was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of the show last year to commemorate the organisation’s 160th anniversary.
At the 2018 National Television Awards, O’Grady received a special recognition award for the impact For the Love Of Dogs had on finding homes for rescue animals across the country.
During an interview during the first season in September 2012, he described the work as “hand on heart… one of the nicest jobs I’ve ever had” and hailed the house as “a magical place.”
O’Grady also personally rehomed numerous dogs at his Kent farmhouse, including Eddie, a Chihuahua Jack Russell-cross puppy, during the first series of For the Love Of Dogs.
Eddie was joined in 2014 by Boycie, a shih-tzu, in 2015 by Conchita, a Maltese, in 2017 by Arfur, a mongrel puppy, in 2020 by Nancy, another mongrel puppy, and in 2021 by Sausage, a wire-haired dachshund.
For the Love of Dogs will air on ITV1 on Thursday, April 13 at 8.30pm.
