20 February 2024 , 20:15
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ITV will be airing a new documentary on Paul O'Grady to mark one year since he died aged 67.
Comedian and animal lover Paul passed away at his home near Ashford, Kent, on 28 March 2023, from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia. His husband Andre Portasio, whom he married in 2017, said at the time that the For the Love of Dogs presenter, who was 67, died "unexpectedly but peacefully".
The Lily Savage star was laid to rest following a funeral in Kent in April before those who turned out to celebrate him flocked to Port Lympne Safari Park for the wake. And now, almost a year later, it has been reported that a touching documentary about the star will be airing on ITV.
According to reports, The Life And Death of Lily Savage will explore Paul's decision to ditch his alter ego and move on with his fruitful career.
The Life And Death of Lily Savage will explore Paul's decision to ditch his alter ego (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Paul died in his home in March last yearThe Sun reported the show will air closer to the anniversary of his death. The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment. It comes after Alison Hammond was named as Paul's replacement on the award-winning ITV series, For the Love of Dogs.
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This Morning icon Alison will be making her way to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help the animals in their care find a forever home. With more abandoned and stray dogs in need of care than ever, the six-part series will tell the stories of some of the latest arrivals at Battersea, as Alison rolls up her sleeves and helps Battersea’s expert staff and volunteers to take care of the animals and get them ready for their potential new owners.
Of her new role, Alison said: “I am very aware that I can never replace the iconic Paul in this wonderful series, but if I can continue to shine a light on the brilliant work done at Battersea and help to tell the stories of these beautiful dogs, then it will be an absolute privilege to give it my all. I can’t wait to share the joy of their searches for new loving forever homes and hopefully make lots of furry friends of my own along the way."
The Commissioning Editor for ITV, Satmohan Panesar said they were "thrilled" to confirm the return of the beloved series. "As Paul O'Grady always said himself, the stars of the show were the dogs themselves, but the impact that he had and the legacy he leaves will never be forgotten by any of us," he said.
"We can't wait to welcome back the series with Alison; there will be all the fun and warmth that our viewers have come to expect whilst continuing to showcase the wonderful and important work done by the incredible team at Battersea. To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I’ve loved working with you it’s been an absolute blast!
"Big love to Katie Thisleton, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick Hope…I’ll miss being on air with you every day. MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I’ll be back soon, and can’t wait to see you all again."