Miranda Hart taking career break after sad death of beloved dog

The comedian has released an emotional statement about Peggy

Author: Alex RossPublished 19th Jan 2021

Comedian and TV star Miranda Hart has released a lengthy and emotional statement revealing she's taking a career break following the sad death of her beloved dog Peggy.

The 48-year-old took to her Instagram page to reveal the heartbreaking news, sharing a selection of photos of herself and the shih tzu/bichon frise cross, which she's had since 2007.

She said, 'Last week I said goodbye to my beautiful, darling dog Peggy.

'I share because I shared her with you when I wrote Peggy and Me and many of you took her to your hearts. I have always been amused by and grateful for the pictures and gifts she was showered with. She used a blanket a fan gave her in Australia until the end.

'She was recognised more than once in public when friends walked her and once when I was walking her and the woman looked at me said “oh my goodness... is that Peggy, I can’t believe it”. And then looked at me again, when I thought I might be showered in a compliment, and she just said suspiciously “how come you get to walk her?” I proudly and with a lot of internal giggles said “I am Peggy’s owner”!

'Fellow dog owners will know the excruciating sadness of losing your loyal, loving best friend. The pain mirrors the unique joy, connection, comfort and love they bring. And Peggy was my absolute rock and source of all those things. Their uncompromising, unconditional loving presence is such an incredible gift. Enjoy your dogs as much as you can. They are great teachers.' (sic)

Miranda later revealed she would be taking some time off work to grieve for the pooch, she added, 'I’m using this time to take some time away from work / posting to write and rest and see what the new chapter will be.

'Take very good gentle care of yourselves, please thank you please. Love oo.

'Peggy - you were always by my side and always on my side. I will miss you everyday. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #peggyandme'. (sic)

Fans and friends of the comedian were quick to send their condolences. X Factor host Dermot O'Leary commented, 'So sorry. X', with actress Tamzin Outhwaite adding, ' So sorry ❤️❤️'. (sic)

A fan then wrote, 'Omg I am so sorry, she was a massive part of your life, I am crying for you right now I’m so sorry 💜', with another adding, 'So sorry for your loss. It is the hardest part of being their human ❤️ fly high over 🌈 Bridge, dearest Peggy x'. (sic)

Another then added, 'I'm so sorry and sad to hear this. Much love to you xxx'. (sic)

As many fans will know, Miranda's 2016 novel 'Peggy and Me' was inspired by her beloved pooch, after admitting she thought she would never love again until Peggy arrived into her life.

She said at the time, "When Peggy appeared in my life I’d just ended a long-term relationship and the Hart heart was not in the best shape. And I thought perhaps this dog is going to turn it all around. I realised it’s better to be single than to be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t give kind, loving and trusting approval.

"I had a being who loved me. It didn’t matter that it was just a dog."

We are sending our love to Miranda.❤️

How to listen to KISS:

Listen to KISS and all of the KISS Network stations on our free Rayo app, by hitting the play button on the bottom of your screen and on your smart speaker (‘Play KISS FM’). Plus KISSTORY R&B is now available on DAB nationally and KISS Fresh, KISS Dance via DAB+ in London.