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ITV changes schedule for Paul O'Grady tribute

her majesty the queen consort paul ogrady for the love of dogs royal special
ITV changes schedule for Paul O'Grady tributeRichard-Lea Hair/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

ITV has confirmed a schedule change for later this afternoon in tribute to Paul O'Grady.

The TV presenter, comedian and drag icon sadly passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully" last night (March 28) aged 67, it was confirmed this morning.

One of O'Grady's most notable shows in recent years was the award-winning Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs, and to pay respects to the late star, ITV1 will rebroadcast his Royal Special edition of the programme from Christmas 2022.

her majesty the queen consort paul ogrady for the love of dogs royal special
Richard-Lea Hair/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Related: Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2023 – in memoriam

The episode will air at 5pm today, the slot that used to be occupied by the presenter's The Paul O'Grady Show.

The Royal Special famously saw an appearance from Queen Consort Camilla, with the Royal Family also paying tribute following the news of his death.

"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," the royal family said in a tweet.

paul o'grady cuddles a lurcher cross puppy called mince pie at a battersea dogs and cats home fundraiser
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

For the Love of Dogs led to O'Grady becoming an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Following news of his death, the rescue centre's chief executive Peter Laurie called him "a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres" in tribute.

A tribute show titled For the Love of Paul O'Grady has been added to the ITV1 schedules for Sunday (April 2), and it's also been confirmed that the 11th series of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will premiere on the channel, as planned, on Thursday, April 13 at 8.30pm.

In the original statement announcing the star's passing, O'Grady'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. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."

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