Paul O'Grady fans were left emotional on Sunday night over a "bittersweet" new series hosted by the star that aired on ITV1. A year on from his death, which shocked the nation, Paul returned to screens with another series about his love for animals. This time he was headed for
Thailand, where he filmed a documentary called Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure. It was filmed just months before his death in March 2023, and the two-part series sees Paul visiting elephants across the country. Sweet scenes in the first episode on Sunday night saw him bond with the animals, with some taking a liking to the comedian and TV star. He was shown how to care for some of the injured elephants, and how the people at the sanctuaries he visited care for them daily. Viewers were moved by the documentary, but also the fact that Paul was back onscreen a year on from his death. One moment saw Paul joking about retirement, leaving fans saddened given his heartbreaking loss just months after the episodes were filmed. Paul made a number of sad comments during filming, with fans commenting on his remarks about the future. Paul O'Grady tried traditional heart medicine in TV series finished days before his death Paul O'Grady fans loved his 'bittersweet' final TV series about his adventure with elephants ( Image: ITV) In one scene Paul said he hoped to visit again in the future, with no one knowing then that he would sadly pass away before the show aired. Paul joked about becoming an elephant doctor as a new career, asking if there was a vacancy. As he told one loveable elephant how he hoped they'd meet again, he also joked that working with the animals could be his second career "once he retired". Fans were emotional over this comment, knowing this would never happen. Taking to X, one fan posted: "Oh Paul," as another said: "So sad watching #pogelephants when he says things like 'when I retire'." A third viewer said: "Gosh, this is such a hard watch. Lump in my throat, tears in my eyes. Paul was busy so bloody wonderful. He talked about when he retired - if only, then he'd still be with us." ITV paid tribute to Paul O'Grady at the end of the episode ( Image: ITV) As the episode came to an end, there was a sweet tribute to the late star which read: "In loving memory of Paul O'Grady MBE," with an image of him smiling while hugging one of the elephants he met in Thailand. Viewers praised Paul and the series, with one fan posting on X: "Just hearing his voice has made me tear up. Miss you." Another fan said: "So happy watching Paul but knowing this is the last and hearing his voice, I'm teary." A third fan added: "Watching the wonderful Paul O'Grady. Sad and funny in equal measures. How missed he is. Such a lovely man." Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure continues next Sunday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat ,
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