British horse racing pundit and broadcasting legend John McCririck dies aged 79

The flamboyant TV broadcaster and personality John McCririck has died aged 79, his family has said.   

McCririck was the face of Channel 4’s horse racing coverage for many years and became a household name thanks to his extravagant personality and onscreen persona.

His health has deteriorated in recent years and he publicly said his departure from Channel 4 in 2012 left his life “meaningless”.

McCririck also looked frail and weak during a recent appearance on ITV’s This Morning.

Roger Easterby, a close friend of McCririck for 40 years, said: “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.”