Viewers in tears as Paul O'Grady's last For The Love Of Dogs airs

Viewers were left in tears as the final episode of For The Love Of Dogs with Paul O'Grady aired.

The comedian, actor and presenter – who rose to fame as drag queen alter ego Lily Savage – died unexpectedly in March at the age of 67, and his last series of the much-loved show launched on ITV just a couple of weeks later.

The series has now come to an end, dismaying fans who have tuned in for years.

Read more: Paul O'Grady died in bed beside husband, says close friend Linda Thorson

As the final instalment aired, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - which features in the programme - posted a sweet farewell on X, formerly Twitter.

"11 years, 11 seasons of laughs, tears and rescue animals," it said.

"Thank you Paul for everything you have done for Battersea, we'll never forget it."

Viewers were equally moved by the fact it was O'Grady's last episode.

"I'm crying again," said one.

Another added: "So sad I only realised tonight was the last one he did of the series.

"He will be forever in our hearts."

"I've watched every episode of Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs over the past 11 years, and I'm sad tonight was the very last edition," said another.

"What a legacy Paul left."

"What he did not just for Battersea and their dogs but rescue homes across the UK," added someone else.

"He raised the importance of supporting these places and he'll always be missed."

One fan chimed in: "I still find the loss of Paul O’Grady utterly unbearable."

Read more: My night out with Lily Savage: Remembering the brilliance of Paul O’Grady

"In a week where cruelty and hate has dominated our discussions about the airwaves, it seems cruel that we're in a Paul O'Grady less world," said another.

Watch: Paul O’Grady’s career will be the focus of a new ITV documentary