Legendary horse racing pundit John McCririck has died, aged 79.
The well-known broadcaster rose to prominence as the face of Channel 4 Racing, and was best known for his eccentricity and outlandish dress sense. He was described by many as "the face of British horse racing" during his tenure as a betting guru for ITV and Channel 4.
He was relieved of his duties on Channel 4 in 2012 by bosses after 28 years presenting on the popular TV channel. Following his dismissal, McCririck filed an age-discrimination case which ultimately fell on deaf ears.
Many people not involved in the horse racing world will recognise McCririck through his appearances in Celebrity Big Brother and Wife Swap.
After appearing on ITV morning show This Morning just last year, viewers were shocked at the former pundit's gaunt appearance. It was evident that he had lost a great deal of weight, which was put down to a severe case of flu by the Surrey-born TV personality.
McCririck's family have released a statement, in it explaining that the 79-year-old had passed away at a London hospital on Friday morning. They described him as a "award-winning journalist and broadcaster".
"His flamboyant broadcasting style from the heart of betting ring proved extremely popular with racing fans and beyond," they said.
"Despite suffering ill health in recent months, John continued to make several TV and radio appearances."
In the aftermath of his failed age-discrimination case, McCririck said that he was "inconsolable" over the thought of never working in broadcasting again.
Tributes to the late-presenter continue to pour in on social media, with the Racing Post tweeting: "Sad to report that legendary racing broadcaster John McCririck has died at the age of 79.
"McCririck was the face of Channel 4 Racing, and one of the sport's most recognisable figures. He was also an award-winning journalist for The Sporting Life."
McCririck was the face of Channel 4 Racing, and one of the sport's most recognisable figures. He was also an award-winning journalist for The Sporting Life
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) July 5, 2019
A family spokesman have announced that his funeral will be a strictly private affair.
Rest In Peace John.