John McCririck dead: Star ‘suffering ill health’ before death as private funeral confirmed

John McCririck passed away at a London hospital this morning aged 79. In a statement to Express.co.uk, the ITV Racing presenter’s rep state: “Despite suffering ill health in recent months, John continued to make several TV and radio appearances.” The outspoken TV personality’s funeral will be a private affair. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Jenny McCririck – nicknamed The Booby.

Prior to his interview, John said he had been suffering for much of the year with a chest infection, but doctors were unsure of the cause.

John had shocked viewers on Big Brother’s Bit On The Side when he displayed a noticeably thinner frame.

After fans commented on his “frail and gaunt” appearance, he revealed he had been ill with the flu.

His representative told Express.co.uk at the time: “What started with flu in the New Year led to a serious chest infection, he is recovering well but slowly.”

The star later appeared on This Morning to explain the reason for his new look, saying it had left him unable to speak for three months.

John’s interest in horse racing and betting began at Harrow where he was the school bookie.

After leaving, he worked for an illegal street bookmaker before later learning the art of tic-tac, clerking bets and making a book.

John cut his teeth in racing journalism on Formindex, a tipping sheet otherwise known as The Golden Guide.

He went on to write for The Sporting Life where he won British Press Awards, Specialist Writer of the Year and Campaigning Journalist of the Year.

John jointed ITV in 1981 for Shergar’s Derby then became a household name as part of the Channel 4 Racing team when they took over coverage of the sport in 1984.

source: express.co.uk