He was also one of the nation’s most-famous dog lovers and animal rights advocates.
A longtime supporter and ambassador of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, O'Grady notably helped raise the profile of the shelter to millions around the world through the hugely-popular ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.
But rather than focusing on his love for dogs, last night's documentary was instead all about the love everyone had for Paul.
Viewers left 'in tears' after ITV airs emotional Paul O'Grady tribute documentary / Credit: ITV
Thousands tuned in to watch the one-hour documentary special, For The Love of Paul O'Grady, on ITV last night, as the much-loved TV presenter's incredible career was celebrated and he was remembered and honoured by those who knew him best.
O'Grady was remembered as a "force for good" by his famous friends.
Touching tributes were paid by Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary, Michael Cashman, and Jonathan Ross on the show, while former Labour Party leader Ed Milliband, actor Tony Maudsley, actresses Linda Thornton, Amanda Mealing, and Sally Lindsay, and TV presenter Gaby Roslin also shared their memories of O'Grady.
During and after the documentary aired on ITV, fans took to social media to share their thoughts and admit that they'd been left "in tears".
"In tears tonight after watching ITV's beautiful and poignant tribute to Paul O’Grady. Fly high lovely man, we are all going to miss you so much," one fan said on Twitter.
Another fan on Twitter said they were "in bits".
One fan wrote in reaction to the documentary: "I don't think it has sunk in what we have all lost, from Lily Savage to the rescue dogs, what a man, what a legend and what a campaigner who never forgot where he came from."
"He really was universally loved," another fan said, "I have yet to hear anyone say a bad word against him. His humanity shone through. So very sad."
As the show drew to a close, a message from Paul O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, appeared on the screen.
"On behalf of Paul O'Grady, his husband Andre Portasio would like to thank everyone for taking their time to send condolences. The family is overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and generosity."
Featured Image - Battersea
Art & Culture
Jacqueline Wilson and Gyles Brandreth among big names announced for Ilkley Literature Festival 2026
The north’s longest-running literary festival, Ilkley Literature Festival, has announced its 2026 line-up.
This year, a host of household names including politicians, national treasures, journalists, novelists, poets, historians, comedians, and academics will head to the quaint spa town of Ilkley for their annual literaty festival.
The festival will take place across 17 packed days from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026.
Andrew Davies, the maestro of literary adaptations such as House of Cards and Bridget Jones will open the festival, having finally turned his razor sharp pen on the most challenging subject of all: himself, with his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy.
Elsewhere, actress Rachael Stirling will be talking about her exceptional mother, Diana Rigg – icon of stage and screen and the subject of a new memoir, whilst Mark Foster, five-time Olympian, six-time World Champion and eight-time World Record holder, will be discussing his inspiring and moving memoir, My Double.
Image: Supplied
Poetry lovers can spend an evening with the Poet laureate, Simon Armitage, as he reads from his new translation of Gilgamesh, whilst much-loved poet Brian Bilston will take you on a whistle stop tour through the history of verse, reading from his new collection How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside.
Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth will discussing the secrets for a long and healthy life, whilst icon Dame Jacqueline Wilson will introducing her brand-new book, Esme Pepper, and talking about her career, writing over 120 books for children.
Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, the producer of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming some of today’s most exceptional writers, thinkers and entertainers to Yorkshire this autumn. The festival has been encouraging curiosity, open dialogues and a shared love of words for over half a century.
"This year, as part of the National Year of Reading, we’re putting readers at the heart of the programme with a series of book club-style events - Page Turners Classic Fiction Club - celebrating some of the most compelling novels ever written from Wuthering Heights to The Wasp Factory. From dedicated fans to first-time readers, you can be sure of a warm Yorkshire welcome at Ilkley Literature Festival.”
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 25 August, with priority bookings open for Friends of the Festival a week before, on Wednesday 19 August. You can view the full lineup for the Ilkley Literature Festival and book your tickets here.
A state-of-the-art mobile planetarium is coming to Leeds city centre this summer
Clementine Hall
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
The Hoot -
10th April 2023 
