Fans were moved to tears when Paul O’Grady’s final series of For The Love Of Dogs aired Thursday night, just weeks after the devastating news of his death.
And the much-loved ITV series, filmed late last year, paid an emotional tribute to the late presenter, who passed away last month aged 67.
At the end of the first episode, the credits rolled grippingly in complete silence, instead of the usual soundtrack.
As the credits drew to a close, a photo of Paul smiling and rocking a dog flashed on screen as a touching tribute to the beloved star.
Viewers were very emotional at the fitting tribute and watching the late presenter return to screens for his latest series of For The Love Of Dogs.
Emotional: Fans were moved to tears as Paul O’Grady’s final series of For The Love Of Dogs aired Thursday night, just weeks after the devastating news of his death
Tribute: And the much-loved ITV series, filmed late last year, paid an emotional tribute to the late presenter, who died last month aged 67
When they witnessed the return of the beloved TV star and saw his affectionate personality again, fans became emotional and many couldn’t hold back their tears.
One of them said, “Peggy the Newfoundlander, I may have some grit in my eye. This series is going to be a tough watch, we will definitely miss Paul O’Grady, one of the good guys.”
Another TV viewer was also moved to tears saying, “I still have tears in my eyes watching Paul O’Grady but I am enjoying the program so much,” while a third added: “Paul O’Grady absolutely cries.’
Another Twitter user added, “Just watched the first episode of For The Love Of Dogs with the late Paul O’Grady.
So good to look at, but so sad to see at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so deprived of someone I’ve never met, and feel like I’ve lost a friend!’
Paul was widely known as a dog lover, having given a home to Chihuahua-Jack Russell cross Eddie, Shih Tzu Boycie, Maltese Conchita, mongrels Arfur and Nancy, and a Dachshund named Sausage, from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – where the series was filmed.
In his ITV documentary series, which has been running since 2012, Paul visited animals at home to learn more about their backgrounds.
In the first episode, Paul met a beautiful Newfoundland named Peggy, who needed life-changing surgery on her back legs due to ligament problems.
Gripping: At the end of the first episode, the credits rolled grippingly in complete silence, rather than the usual soundtrack, before an image of Paul flashed on screen
Emotional: Viewers were very emotional at the fitting tribute and seeing the late presenter return to screens for his latest series of For The Love Of Dogs
In the emotional scenes, Paul was his typical cheerful self as he met the animals and staff at the home.
He clearly became very attached to Peggy when he rocked her head in his lap and told a vet that he was “in love” with her.
Showing his obvious connection to the dog, he said, “Sean! I have to confess something. I am totally in love with this dog! She is beautiful.
“Please tell me this isn’t shockingly bad news.”
So good to look at, but so sad to see at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so deprived of someone I’ve never met, and feel like I’ve lost a friend!’
Paul worked with a team of experts to give Peggy eight weeks of physio and hydrotherapy and walked in a harness before going home.
In scenes that moved viewers to tears, Paul was left devastated at having to say goodbye to Peggy after she healed, emotionally telling her he didn’t have the space to adopt her.
Elsewhere in the episode, Paul helped a timid Bichon Frisé who had been left terrified by humans after being dumped in the woods.
He also met an excited Labrastaff who has an obsession with water, and Paul was only too happy to get the hose out and keep him entertained.
The final series will consist of six 30-minute episodes.
Last month, Paul’s partner Andre Portasio shared that he had passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully.”
He said, “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul passed away unexpectedly but peacefully last night.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that as you celebrate his life, you also respect our privacy as we process this loss.
He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all who enjoyed his wit, wit and compassion.
Loss: Last month, Paul’s partner Andre Portasio (pictured in September 2018) shared that he had passed away ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’
Beloved star: During his career he has presented The Paul O’Grady Show (pictured with his dog Olga), Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs
“I know he would like me to thank you for all the love you’ve shown him over the years.”
The couple married in 2017 in a low-key wedding ceremony.
During his career he has presented The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award winning For The Love Of Dogs.
He also hosted the ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.