Graham Norton still feels the ghostly presence of his late dog Bailey.
The chat show host, 59, said: "Even now, a few years later, I will hear the click of his little nails on the floor or think I’ll catch sight of him out of the corner of my eye.
"But I’m so happy that he was in my life for all of that time because there’s something, no matter how you’re feeling, a dog, the thump of their tail, they are the consummate experts at living in the moment."
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Graham was back in his native Ireland when he had to have his beloved labradoodle put down.
It was a second blow for the telly star after his other dog Madge died the Christmas before.
He explained: "I'm really pleased they both got their final days in Ireland because that’s where they were happiest.
"Bailey was a very old, big dog and even on the morning he died he was down in the stream drinking and barking.
"Their lives were full even to the end."
Graham felt the loss when he went for a walk for the first time on his own.
He added: "I remember being on the beach in Ireland and it was so weird – there was no Bailey.
"Still, I look at people walking without dogs and I think they look a bit bonkers."
It comes after Graham revealed he's blacklisted a number of "boring" stars from his BBC chat show.
The Irish presenter has been hosting his eponymous BBC series since 2007.
Speaking recently, Graham revealed that while he would always make room on his sofa for blockbuster movie stars and younger celebrities who may be more nervous, he has over the years assembled a "list" of "mature, middling stars" who he wouldn't invite back again.
Graham told the Daily Mail: "It's not a long list, but it definitely exists.
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"If you're a big movie star with a very successful film, then we'd have you back on regardless.
"And if you're a young star — a comedian, actor or singer — then I'd forgive them for being bad the first time round and have them back on because it's not the easiest thing in the world to be on a chat show and they deserve a second chance.
"But there is definitely a small group of more mature, middling stars who I would never invite back again — although my lips are sealed as to who they are!"
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