ITV has shared some bittersweet news on one of its much-loved show following the "shocking" death of Paul O'Grady. The TV star and comedian died on Tuesday evening (March 28) 'unexpectedly', his partner confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday morning (March 29).
He said that O'Grady, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening (March 28). Mr Portasio said in his statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"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."
Tributes have since been pouring in for the late star who is known as one of the country's biggest and brightest entertainers. He rose to fame on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage, and has been hailed as a "trailblazer" for breaking into the mainstream broadcasting landscape with his alter ego and for his charity work around animals and Aids.
O’Grady’s love for animals was well-known, and he lived in a farmhouse in Kent with Portasio along with a menagerie of animals including four dogs, goats, sheep, chickens and barn owls, and his profile picture on Instagram shows him with one of his dogs. And fans would always tune in to ITV for his show, For the Love of Dogs.
It saw O'Grady spending time at Battersea Dog and Cats Home, for whom he was an ambassador, helping show the rescue centres work and help some of the abandoned animals find their forever homes, while also adopting a few himself along the way.
ITV has now released a statement following the death of O’Grady. ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, spoke on behalf of ITV in the hours after Paul’s untimely death. "We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul, at ITV," he said.
"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 added: “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."
The statement from ITV also revealed some bittersweet news for fans of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs. "There is currently a new series (series 11) due to start in April," they confirmed which will be O'Grady's last TV appearance as it was filmed before his death. The network will be broadcasting For the Love of Paul O'Grady on ITV, in tribute to Paul at 8pm on Sunday, April 9, before the new series of Paul O'Grady: For the Love Dogs begins on Thursday, April 13, at 8.30pm
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