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Paul O’Grady fans emotional as ‘For The Love Of Dogs’ airs hours after presenter’s funeral

Paul O’Grady died from cardiac arrhythmia on March 28 but filmed the final series of his show before his death

ADLINGTON, KENT: Paul O’Grady fans were left emotional on Thursday, April 20, after his show ‘For The Love Of Dogs’ aired just hours after the presenter was laid to rest in Adlington, Kent. O’Grady died from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia on March 28 but filmed the final series of his ITV show in 2022, marking his posthumous return to the screens.

The poignant timing of the second episode saw the show being aired just a few hours after hundreds of mourners joined O’Grady’s funeral that was led by his husband Andre Portasio. The comedian, who was known for his love for dogs, launched the documentary series in 2012 to cover the life at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London. After the end of the first series, O’Grady was invited to become the ambassador for the center and a bronze statue of his late dog, Buster, was built at the venue.

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‘So missed by us all everyday’

O’Grady’s fans were moved to tears as the second episode of the final series of ‘For The Love Of Dogs’ aired hours after the presenter’s funeral. “I’m in floods of tears after watching Paul O’Grady For the love of Dogs with his funeral being today your fans your family and Andre Portasio will miss you terribly RIP Paul I hope your friends are looking after you over the rainbow bridge #PaulOGrady #popdogs,” one emotional user wrote on Twitter. “This sent me over the edge into floods of tears at the end of Paul ogradys for the love of dogs @Battersea_” added another. “Watching Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs is making me emotional!, Paul is so missed by us all everyday!, @PaulOGrady_FC #POGDOGS,” a third user wrote.

“I've just been watching for the love of dogs. I love Paul O'Grady, he was such a good and kind person and will be so sorely missed. Such a funny, witty and charming character. #PaulOGrady,” one said. “For the love of dogs gets me crying every time anyway, but tonight’s hitting harder #paulogrady #POGDOGS,” another shared. “I will watch the series but does anyone else find it difficult now to watch Paul O'Grady's For The Love of Dogs?” one questioned. One tweeted, “I knew this would happen, but for the love of dogs had me absolutely balling tonight” while another responded, “i cant bring myself to watch it”

Hundreds of admirers lined the streets during Paul O’Grady’s funeral

On Thursday, April 20, hundreds of admirers lined the streets to watch Paul O’ Grady’s funeral procession from his home in Adlington to a 12th century church in Bonnington, the Daily Mail reported. The late comedian’s husband, Andre Portasio, could be seen wiping away tears while leading mourners attending the funeral, the publication noted. Portasio reportedly clutched their dog Conchita and rode a horse and carriage carrying Paul’s coffin while traveling through Adlington, the outlet mentioned.

Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr and Jo Brand were among the dozens of celebrities who joined the funeral. Other notable people seen saying their final goodbyes to O’Grady were comedian Julian Clary, the late Dame Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell and several EastEnders actors, including Scott Malsen, Cheryl Fergison and Linda Henry, the publication reported. O’Grady’s daughter Sharyn Mousley was also reportedly seen walking into the service alongside a young man, who is believed to be the comedian’s grandson. The latter was reportedly seen a wig of Lily Savage, O’Grady’s drag queen persona.

A floral wreath created in the shape of O’Grady’s late pooch Buster was also kept against his coffin while it was on the way to St Rumwold’s church. Three volunteers from Battersea Cats & Dogs Home were also seen standing with a black Labrador cross and a pug as O’Grady’s coffin was carried into the ceremony by six pallbearers. A brass band from the Salvation Army reportedly played a series of songs, including ‘Tomorrow’ from the musical ‘Annie.’ A private event for O’Grady’s family and loved ones was also planned at Port Lympne Safari Park after the funeral. Meanwhile, around 300 miles away from the venue, hundreds of fans gathered in O’Grady’s hometown of Birkenhead, Merseyside, to pay their respects to late legend.

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