Poet, critic and TV personality Clive James, known for his witty dry humour has passed away at 80.

Clive James dies at age 80, after nearly a decade of being diagnosed with leukaemia, kidney failure and lung disease. Passing away at this home in Cambridge on Sunday.

The Australian author and TV personality, star of Britain’s The Clive James Show, was known for his dry humour and reputation as a critic.

A private funeral was held in the chapel at Pembroke College, Cambridge on Wednesday 27th November, which was attended by close friends and family.

James first made his illness public in May 2011, after he had already been diagnosed for 15 months. In 2012 James stated that “I am a man who is approaching his terminus”.

A man of many talents James didn’t let his illness hinder his good humour, wit and insightful reviews, continuing to write and broadcast up until the end.

Stephen Fry, British writer and comedian, paid tribute to James over twitter, writing that he was one of his “heros” that he always looked up to. Fellow broadcaster Richard Coles described James as the “best telly critic that ever there was”.

James spent the summer of 2019 writing and editing his autobiographical anthology, titled The Fire of Joy, which is planned to be published in 2020. Over his career he has published more than 30 books and various collections of poetry and in 2012 James was awarded a CBE services to literature and the media.

The master of his field and legendary broadcaster Clive James will truly be missed, with his humour, wit and unforgettable personality living on through his writing.

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