Yahoo News Paul O'Grady's final TV documentary confirms release window
Viewers are set to see the late Paul O'Grady on screens one last time in 2023, as ITV confirm plans to air the entertainer's final TV project.
Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure is a two-part documentary series that was filmed before the TV presenter's death in March this year.
O'Grady, who was known for his love of animals, travelled to Thailand and Laos for the TV special, giving insight into the countries' elephant rescue centres and the work done to rescue, rehabilitate and protect one of the planet's most endangered animals.
ITV confirmed the show will be one of many TV highlights airing this autumn.
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"Thailand has the largest number of elephant rescue centres in the world while Laos is nicknamed the 'land of a million elephants', and each episode sees Paul travel across the region to roll up his sleeves and muck in to help out at a different rescue centre," reads the programme synopsis.
"Along the way, Paul also heads out from the sanctuaries to grab a slice of local life by exploring nearby colourful markets, temples, apothecaries and sampling the local cuisine."
ITV said that Paul's final TV project was one he was "incredibly passionate about".
Related: Paul O'Grady was so much more than just a national treasure
Viewers have been promised that the O'Grady many knew and grew fond of will shine through on screens.
"The tone is warm, playful and heartfelt and always characterised by his much-loved wit and humour," the broadcaster said of the late comedian's final TV appearance.
O'Grady teased the TV project last December, sharing snaps of him up close with the elephants on his Instagram.
Related: Paul O'Grady's widower Andre Portasio pays tribute on wedding anniversary
"I’m now at the Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai run by a truly remarkable lady called Lek Saengduean," read his post caption, alongside a snap of him petting one particular elephant.
"There’s not just herds of rescued elephants here there’s cattle and lots of dogs and cats so I’m in seventh heaven.
"This Elephant was rescued from a circus. She was tortured to make her do stupid tricks and due to the harsh lights of the circus ring she’s now blind. I spent a good hour feeding her bananas and because the herd had just had a mud bath I’m absolutely caked-not that I give a damn," he joked.
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O'Grady called the two "kindred souls" before calling out the cruelty inflicted on the animals.
"It’s heartbreaking to learn what these beauty’s have been through but it’s more than reassuring to know that they are now in safe, caring and loving hands whilst still being respected for the wild animal that they are. I’m off the human race at the moment."
Fans of the star last saw O'Grady on screens posthumously in April, when the final few episodes of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs were aired on ITV.
The show, filmed at London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, is up for a National Television Award in the Factual category, competing against Sort Your Life Out, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live and Clarkson's Farm.
The results will be revealed during the NTA ceremony, taking place on September 5 at London's o2 arena.
Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure will air on ITV this autumn.
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