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Clive James dead – Poet, critic and broadcaster dies at the age of 80 - The Sun

VETERAN author, poet and broadcaster Clive James has died aged 80 after a long battle with cancer.

The Australian-born star of The Clive James Show passed away at home in Cambridge "surrounded by his family and books" on Sunday.

 Clive James has died at home in Cambridge aged 80

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Clive James has died at home in Cambridge aged 80
 He presented his own show, Clive James on Television

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He presented his own show, Clive James on TelevisionCredit: LWT
 The Australian broadcaster Clive James was known for his dry wit

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The Australian broadcaster Clive James was known for his dry witCredit: Rex Features

His family and close friends attended his funeral at Pembroke College in Cambridge earlier today - almost 10 years after he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

During his career, the much-loved author wrote incisively and often hilariously about television, literature and current affairs.

The dad-of-two, a big name in British television and radio in the 1980s, was influential in media circles and won awards for journalism and broadcasting.

SHOT TO FAME

His often coarse, dead-pan style peaked in popularity in the 80s with the show "Clive James on Television".

He would lampoon clips of absurd international television shows, in particular a Japanese contest called "Endurance".

James, who was known for his dry wit, went on to write a newspaper column titled "Reports of My Death" after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010. In 2016 he said his longevity after announcing his illness was "embarrassing".

A statement released on behalf of the family read: "Clive died almost ten years after his first terminal diagnosis, and one month after he laid down his pen for the last time.

He died peacefully and at home, surrounded by his family and his books

His family

"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."

Clive was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011 and was told it was terminal in 2014.

TERMINAL CANCER

Tributes came flooding in for the critic with heartbroken fans reacting to the news.

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

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."

Musician Alison Moyet said on Twitter: "Ah, Clive James. You bright, beaming boy. Our loss."

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Credit: Rex Features
 Clive James was a much-loved TV comedy star and highly respected writer

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Clive James was a much-loved TV comedy star and highly respected writerCredit: Rex Features

Speaking after news of the deaths of celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and theatre legend Sir Jonathan Miller, Stephen Fry posted: "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."

Monty Python's Eric Idle wrote: "Savage news this morning. To lose one friend is bad but to lose two reeks of carelessness.

"The beloved hilarious genius Jonathan Miller who dramatically changed my life three times and dear Clive James my pal at Cambridge."

The popular critic moved to England in 1961.

During his first few years he worked as a library assistant, market researcher and sheet metal worker, and made friends with fellow Australian Barry Humphries.

He then landed a place at Cambridge University to read English Literature, where his contemporaries included Germaine Greer and Eric Idle.

He became president of Cambridge Footlights and even appeared on BBC’s University Challenge.

Clive started as a commentator on various shows including the Granada pop music show So It Goes between 1976 and 1977.

Then, in 1982, he hosted Clive James on Television.He then joined the BBC in 1988 and fronted Saturday Night Clive which ran for two years and returned as Saturday Night Clive on Sunday and then Sunday Night Clive.

 Clive James enjoying a swim with Playboy "bunnies" at the Playboy Mansion in 1987

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Clive James enjoying a swim with Playboy "bunnies" at the Playboy Mansion in 1987Credit: Rex Features
 Clive James meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2006

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Clive James meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2006Credit: Rex Features
 His family said he died at home in Cambridge surrounded by his books

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His family said he died at home in Cambridge surrounded by his booksCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 Clive James, pictured in 1981, shot to fame during the 1980s

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Clive James, pictured in 1981, shot to fame during the 1980sCredit: Rex Features
 The popular critic "died peacefully surrounded by his books"

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The popular critic "died peacefully surrounded by his books"Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 He appeared on University Challenge in 1968

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He appeared on University Challenge in 1968Credit: Rex Features
 Fans loved his dry wit and sense of humour

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Fans loved his dry wit and sense of humourCredit: Getty - Contributor
Author Clive James explains why he supported Brexit
Clive James interviews Carrie Fisher on his TV chat show in 1994

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