TV & Film
ITV airing special tribute to Paul O’Grady in schedule change
The channel will be showing the Royal special of Paul’s award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs
ITV have changed their programme scheduling this evening in order to air a tribute to Paul O’Grady.
The broadcaster has confirmed the shake-up to its scheduling following the death of beloved show biz star, Paul O’Grady, at 67. The channel will be showing the Royal special of Paul’s award-winning show For The Love Of Dogs at 5pm this evening in place of its game show The Chase.
The same slot used to famously be occupied by Paul’s self-titled teatime chat show, in a fitting nod to his legacy. The Queen Consort has said she has been left ‘deeply saddened’ at the death of her friend.
The Royal Family’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to the star, which read: “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.”
Underneath the caption is a picture of the Queen Consort smiling alongside O’Grady after they took a rescued West Highland Terrier for a walk during a visit to a Battersea centre in Kent in February last year.
O’Grady spoke of his affection for Camilla praising the then Duchess of Cornwall’s commitment to Battersea, as he said: “I just love her, she’s great.”
Battersea Dogs Home commented under the tribute as they wrote: “We have fond memories of this trip to our Brands Hatch centre. Our thoughts and condolences are with the royal family.”
O’Grady passed away ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on the evening of Tuesday March 28th. His husband Andre Portasio, who married O’Grady in 2017, said in a 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.”
The Royal special of For The Love Of Dogs will air on ITV at 5pm this evening.