ITV will pay tribute to iconic entertainer Paul O'Grady tonight in the wake of his tragic death. For The Love of Paul O'Grady is set to air tonight in memory of the comedian and television personality, who died at the age of 67 on March 28.
The TV channel, which has had a long working relationship with the star, was keen to pay tribute to him with a special show, which will air at 8pm tonight. It comes ahead of the 11th series of Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs, which will air as planned on April 13.
The hour-long tribute show is described by ITV as a "celebratory" film featuring interviews with people who knew him best. They said: "Following his unexpected passing last week, ITV pays tribute to the iconic and much-loved entertainer Paul O'Grady in this special celebratory film, featuring highlights from his incredible career and interviews with those who knew him best."
During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. In a statement after his death, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment Kevin Lygo remembered him as a “huge, inimitable talent”.
He said: "We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul at ITV. He was a huge, inimitable talent, delighting our viewers through his comedy and entertainment with a warmth, humour and joy that audiences of all generations related to and connected 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.”
As part of their tributes, ITV replayed the episode of his hit show For the Love of Dogs, featuring the Queen Consort on March 29.
Paul's partner Andre Portasio shared the tragic news of the star's passing in a statement on March 29. “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” Mr Portasio said in his statement.
“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.”
Born in Birkenhead, on the Wirral, Merseyside, O’Grady’s mother’s maiden name was Savage – which is believed to have inspired his famous drag alter ego. He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s while working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council in London.
O’Grady’s career as Savage took off with TV and radio appearances in character, and he was eventually asked to take over from Paula Yates as The Big Breakfast presenter, as Savage, from 1995 to 1996, leading to his own shows on ITV and Channel 4.
He was made an MBE in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entertainment. He attended the ceremony with his daughter, Sharyn Mousley, his child from a brief relationship he had when he was 17.
