Paul O'Grady For The Love Of Dogs viewers in tears over 'I've got to go' goodbye message as ITV pay 'silent' tribute to late star

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

ITV paid a 'silent' tribute to Paul O'Grady as the last ever series of For The Love Of Dogs with the late entertainer began.

Series 11 of the hit TV show was filmed last year before O'Grady's 'unexpected' death, aged 67, last month. The TV and radio star, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on the evening of March 28, his husband Andre Portasio confirmed. "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 added in a statement. "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." READ MORE: Helen Flanagan says it's 'not normal' as she unites with Christine McGuinness And on Thursday night (April 13), fans of O'Grady saw him looking joyful upon returning to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in a new series of his much-loved show, For The Love Of Dogs, which was filmed months before his death.

The programme, which sees O’Grady meet dogs brought to the centre in need of medical treatment, training and ultimately new homes, opened with a voiceover by the late entertainer. "We’re back, the kennels are chock-a-block," he was heard saying. "The staff and me are worked off our feet, looking after the latest waifs and strays to come through the doors." During the episode, O’Grady, who rehomed five dogs from Battersea, admitted that "over the 11 years I’ve been here, I’ve fallen head over heels quite a few times" before adding "so I’m definitely not taking any more".