Ricky Gervais turns down huge ITV show as bosses scramble to replace late Paul O’Grady
RICKY Gervais has revealed he’s turned down a huge presenting role once filled by Paul O’Grady.
The star, who tragically died earlier this year aged 67, hosted For the Love of Dogs for 11 series on ITV1.
The heart-warming show goes behind the scenes of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in South London and follows the lives of its staff and animals.
Before Paul’s death he filmed the most recent series, which was split in two, and has now broadcast in tribute of the Lily Savage character.
As first revealed by The Sun, ITV bosses are remaking the format and are now scrambling to find a new face to front the show.
Actor and funnyman Ricky, 62, was approached by execs to become the new host but has revealed he“politely” said no.
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The After Life star said: “I've already politely declined I'm afraid. Nice to be asked though.”
Ricky was replying on social media to The Sun on Sunday’s exclusive story that he, Amanda Holden and Martin Clunes were being considered as Paul’s replacements.
A source told us: “It’s a heart-warming series which raised the profile of the charity and ITV plans to continue making it in Paul’s memory.”
O’Grady’s death was later confirmed to be as a result of cardiac arrhythmia following a history of heart problems.
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His husband Andre Portasio shared at a recent memorial gathering for Paul how he died while smoking spliff at his Kent home.
In the final series of For the Love of Dogs, Paul had told viewers: “Life is full of unknown twists and turns. So it’s always best to expect the unexpected.”
