Viewers left sobbing over Paul O'Grady's last ever TV return just weeks after he died

Paul O'Grady fans were left in tears over the late star's TV return just weeks after his 'unexpected' death.

The comedian's beloved and popular ITV series, Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs, returned for a new series on Thursday night (13 April) after being filmed months before he died last month.

Viewers were said to be 'sobbing' and 'in tears' upon the bittersweet first episode of the new - and final - series of the award-winning programme.

While fans had eagerly anticipated the heartwarming show's return to their screens, it came with a side of sadness following the national treasure's untimely passing.

ITV

O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, shared the tragic news in a devastating statement after he passed away suddenly aged 67 at the end of March.

His death left his fans and celebrity pals alike in disbelief, as O'Grady had reportedly planned several projects in the days and hours before his passing.

Fans got to see the first episode of what will likely prove to be the star's last ever TV series on Thursday night in the hit dog show.

With O'Grady as cheerful, loveable and hilarious as ever, he was seen meeting a new group of adorable dogs at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

ITV

The TV series follows the lives of some of the adorable pooches at the shelter who are waiting to be homed in sometimes heartbreaking stories.

O'Grady was an enthusiastic ambassador for the shelter.

Viewers were fighting back tears from the moment O'Grady appeared with some admitting they 'couldn't believe he was gone' and that he would never front another series of the show.

ITV

Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs ended in silence with the usually cheerful credits shown against a black background, followed by a tribute to the beloved presenter.

Fans took to Twitter for comfort and empathy from their fellow viewers, expressing that seeing the show return after such sad news had left them 'in tears'.

One tweeted: "Absolutely love this programme you are going to be missed Paul, got me in tears not just because of the dogs but cos you have gone."

Another said: "OMG I’m sobbing I’m glad they all found their forever homes especially Peggy it was very emotional seeing Paul saying goodbye."

A third simply said: "No can't keep them in, here comes the tears."

Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs airs Thursdays at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with all episodes of the series so far available on the streaming service.