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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

ITV change schedule tonight in wake of Paul O'Grady's heartbreaking death as shows cancelled

ITV has changed its schedule tonight in the wake of Paul O'Grady's heartbreaking death.

The Lily Savage star passed away on Tuesday, aged 67, leaving his legion of fans reeling.

In Paul's honour, ITV will be showing the Royal special of his award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs at 5pm this evening instead of game show The Chase.

Queen Consort Camilla has paid tribute to her friend Paul, who she had particularly "special relationship" with.

Camilla who worked closely with the devoted animal lover to support the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

ITV has changed its schedule tonight in the wake of Paul O'Grady's heartbreaking death (ITV)

A palace source said King Charles' wife was "deeply saddened" by the death of Paul, who was described as having a "warm heart and infectious humour that lit up the lives of so many.

The source added the Queen Consort would be sharing her sympathies privately with the star's family in due course.

Meanwhile, the Royal Family's official Twitter account said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O'Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories." It also shared a charming photo of Camilla and Paul together last year with a rescued West Highland Terrier.

Queen Consort Camilla has paid tribute to her friend Paul (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul was devoted to dogs (@ frankietheminidaxie)

Paul and Camilla filmed a Christmas special of For the Love of Dogs last year, with Camilla hosting a garden party to celebrate Battersea's 160th anniversary.

The Lily Savage star was an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and was remembered with fondness today when the sad news of his death broke.

In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said the charity was “joining the nation” in mourning the loss of the star, who helped raise its profile to millions around the world.

The star with his husband Andre Portasio (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)
He will be missed by so many (Getty Images)

“Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres,” he said.

“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity."

Announcing the news of the star's passing today, Paul's husband Andre Portasio said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion."

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