The 11th series will go ahead as planned (Picture: ITV/RICHARD LEA-HAIR/REX/Shutterstock)

ITV has confirmed Paul O’Grady’s final television appearance in For the Love of Dogs will air next month.

The legendary comedian, also known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on Tuesday evening, with his partner Andre Portasio saying: ‘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.’

Fans of the LGBT+ activist and animal lover, as well as celebrities across the globe have been praying tribute to O’Grady, with ITV confirming a change in schedule yesterday, with Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs: A Royal Special repeating at 5pm, and a special tribute programme For the Love of Paul O’Grady on Sunday at 8pm.

The new series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, series 11, will air on ITV1 on Thursday, April 13, as planned.

The Lily Savage icon was a renowned animal lover (Picture: Fremantle Media/Shutterstock)

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.’ 

For the Love of Dogs began in 2012 (Picture: Ken McKay/Shutterstock)

For the Love of Dogs began in 2012, after which, following its success, O’Grady became an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

He presented the show for eleven series, during which time he laid bare his ‘passion for all things dog’, the charity said, in a tribute.

Last year O’Grady was joined by the Queen Consort in a special one-off episode of the programme to mark 160 years of the organisation.

The Queen Consort appeared on a special episode last year (Picture: ITV/Multistory Media)

O’Grady was given a special recognition award at the 2018 National Television Awards for the impact For the Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide.

During an interview during the first series in September 2012, he said it was ‘hand on heart… one of the nicest jobs I’ve ever had’ and praised the home as ‘a magical place’.

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O’Grady also personally rehomed several dogs at his Kent farmhouse, including during the first series of For the Love Of Dogs, when he took home Eddie, a Chihuahua Jack Russell-cross puppy.

Eddie was joined by Boycie, a shih-tzu in 2014, Conchita, a Maltese in 2015, Arfur, a mongrel puppy in 2017, Nancy, another mongrel puppy in 2020, and Sausage, a wire-haired dachshund in 2021.

For the Love of Dogs will air on ITV1 on Thursday, April 13 at 8.30pm.

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The 11th series will go ahead as planned.