LEGENDARY racing broadcaster John McCririck has died aged 79.
The pundit and CBB star has been dogged by health issues. But who was he and how did he die?
How did John McCririck die?
His family confirmed the sad news he had passed away on July 5, 2019, at the age of 79.
McCririck chillingly said in 2018 he wouldn't live to see another summer and he had visibly suffered extreme weight loss.
"Life is empty. I don't expect to be alive this time next year. It's a question of slipping away," he told the Daily Mail.
"'Racing was my life but now when I go I think: 'What am I doing here?' I feel like a dinosaur. You're a lost soul wandering around an environment you're no longer part of," he added.
The pundit, who has suffered chest problems and a three-stone weight loss due to a severe bout of flu, blamed his illness on the stress of being dropped from Channel 4 Racing after 28 years.
"I’m not well. When you’re 78 you’re never going to fully recover. I don’t expect to," he told hosts Holly and Phil.
"I say to everybody, set yourself a target. If you’re not well, you're ill, set yourself a target that you will reach in 3-6 months time."
Who was John McCirick?
McCririck was arguably horse racing's best-known media personality.
Born in Surbiton, South West London, and raised in Jersey, he attended Harrow School and worked as a bookmaker before becoming a journalist at The Sporting Life in 1968 and later the Daily Star.
His career as a TV betting pundit started in 1981, when he joined ITV's horse racing presenting team.
Coverage of the sport then moved to Channel 4, becoming Channel 4 Racing, where he became a household name for his flamboyant style.
After being dropped by the channel in 2013, he accused it of ageism and took his case to an employment tribunal, seeking damages of £3million, but lost.
McCririck lived in North London with his wife Jenny whom he called "the Booby".
The couple married in 1971.
Roger Easterby, a close friend of McCririck for more than 40 years, told the Post: "John was often referred to as being like Marmite, but I believe people genuinely liked him. He was kind, generous and knew his subject inside out."
In a statement, McCririck's family described him as an "award-winning journalist and broadcaster" and "for many years the face of British horse racing".
They continued: "His flamboyant broadcasting style from the heart of betting ring proved extremely popular with racing fans and beyond."
When was on Celebrity Big Brother?
John McCririck has entered Big Brother three times – twice as a contestant.
The first time he appeared in Big Brother was back in 2005 on the third Celebrity Big Brother.
He was the second housemate to be evicted and lived in the house with Caprice Bourret, Bez, Germaine Greer, Jackie Stallone, Jeremy Edwards and Kenzie.
During the series he was best known for his angry protest over not being given Diet Coke.
Before starring in the series he claimed not to have seen the show before but is now a big fan.
Five years after appearing in CBB3 he took part in Ultimate Big Brother which featured memorable housemates from previous episodes.
John starred in the series alongside Nikki Grahame, Chantelle Houghton, Preston, Makosi Musambasi, Coolio, Brian Dowling, Ulrika Jonsson, Vanessa Feltz and others.
He was the first to be evicted from the house.
John returned in 2015, again five years later, as a guest in the Hotel From Hell task.
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When did John appear on Celebrity Wife Swap?
John appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap in 2006 with Edwina Currie and her husband "JJ".
Speaking about it afterwards, Edwina didn't even try to disguise her contempt for how he treated his wife.
Writing in the Daily Mail, she said: "I returned home thankful that I live with an intelligent, kind and interesting man who is mindful of my welfare and who loves me. We are a lucky pair, and we know it. I wouldn't want to be Jenny McCririck again for anything."
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