Famous Aussie broadcaster Clive James has died at the age of 80, his agents have said.
It is reported that James had been ill for some time and been battling leukaemia before recovering enough to continue working.
His agents (United Agents) said in a statement: “Clive died almost 10 years after his first terminal diagnosis, and one month after he laid down his pen for the last time,” the statement read.
“He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this ‘great, good world’.
“He was grateful to the staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital [in Cambridge] for their care and kindness, which unexpectedly allowed him so much extra time.
“His family would like to thank the nurses of the Arthur Rank Hospice at Home team for their help in his last days, which allowed him to die peacefully and at home, surrounded by his family and his books.”
Ex-tabloid editor Piers Morgan remembered him as “a brilliantly funny man “, while presenter Gaby Roslin said he had been ” incredibly kind “.
Stephen Fry tweeted: “Clive James and Jonathan Miller – two heroes of mine growing up. Each so wildly and profusely gifted in so many directions. Very sorry to think they’re not in this world any more. And I just heard that Gary Rhodes has been snatched from us too. How very sad.”
Matt Bishop reminded us all of Clive’s dry humour: “I’m very sad to hear that the great wordsmith Clive James has passed away. An #F1 devotee, he was the author of the best ever description of Murray Walker: “Even in moments of tranquillity, Murray Walker sounds like a man whose trousers are on fire.” Pure gold. #RIPCliveJames”
Mathew Street paid tribute saying: “A thought about Clive James and Jonathan Miller. I remember both of them saying to me – and many others, I’m sure – that they had wasted their time with television. I think they were wrong.”
