Clive James dead: Poet, critic and broadcaster dies aged 80

Poet, critic and broadcaster Clive James has died at the age of 80, his agents have said.

In a statement announcing the death of Clive James, United Agents said: “Clive James, poet, critic and broadcaster, died at his home in Cambridge on Sunday 24th November 2019.

"A private funeral attended by family and close friends took place in the chapel at Pembroke College, Cambridge on Wednesday 27th November.

“Clive died almost ten years after his first terminal diagnosis, and one month after he laid down his pen for the last time. 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 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.”

Tributes to the late presenter have poured in over social media.

BBC News world affairs editor John Simpson said: “Deeply sorry to hear the news of Clive James’s death. A magnificent, witty, hugely talented man, whose company was always a pleasure. Thank God he fought off his disease so long.”

Actor and theatre director Samuel West said: “We were lucky to have him for so long after his diagnosis. We were lucky to have him at all. RIP Clive James.”

Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: “RIP Clive James, 80. A brilliantly funny man.”

Broadcaster the Rev Richard Coles said: “Woe, Clive James has also died, the best telly critic that ever there was, who once described Barbara Cartland’s face as looking like two crows that had crashed into the white cliffs of Dover.”

TV presenter Gaby Roslin said: “Clive James you were unique. You were incredibly kind to me and there will never be anyone quite like you. My love and thoughts to his family and friends. A very sad loss of a brilliant man.”