Paul O'Grady fans were reduced to tears as ITV paid tribute to the late star with an hour-long tribute that featured many notable British faces.
Paul, who began his illustrious career as drag queen Lily Savage, passed away on March 28 in tragic news that was confirmed by his husband, Andre Portasio, the following day.
Tributes have since flooded social media from some of Paul’s famous friends, with the Queen Consort, Camilla, “deeply saddened” by the loss of her friend.
Ahead of the 11th series of Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs, which will air as planned on April 13, ITV released a special entitled For the Love of Paul O’Grady on Sunday night.
The hour-long special included interviews with some of Paul’s closest friends, like former Big Brother star Julian Clary and TV personality and host Carol Vorderman.
"Following his unexpected passing last week, ITV pays tribute to the iconic and much-loved entertainer Paul O'Grady in this special celebratory film, featuring highlights from his incredible career and interviews with those who knew him best,” ITV earlier said.
Fans took to social media during the special, where some admitted to feeling rather emotional as they reflected on the star’s incredible career.
"Absolutely fully and completely in floods of tears at For The Love of Paul O’Grady, tears of laughter, tears of sadness, just tears. What a brilliant human he was, God I will miss him,” one person said.
"Already weeping at For the love of Paul O'Grady,” another gushed, while a third added, "Tissues at the ready #fortheloveofpaulogrady."
Andre revealed the news on social media at the end of last month when he said: “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.”
Following the news, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment Kevin Lygo said: "We are fortunate to have had a long association with Paul at ITV. 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 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.”
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