Iconic British astrologer Mystic Meg has died aged 80

Iconic astrologer Mystic Meg, real name Margaret Lake, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.

The English star, who famously wrote horoscopes in a column for The Sun, died following a short illness.

Her agent Dave Shapland announced the news in a statement, saying: "Without any question, she was Britain’s most famous astrologer by a million miles.

"Nobody came close to Meg in that respect. She was followed by millions in this country and also around the world.

"She even became part of the English language - if a politician, somebody from showbiz or ordinary people in the street are asked a tricky question they will say, 'Who do you think I am, Mystic Meg?'

"It shows what an impact she made."

Lake carried out her work for The Sun for nearly 23 years, having provided daily horoscope readings for the paper's readers.

But it was in 1994 when she rose to fame after becoming a regular guest on The National Lottery Live, offering Mystic Meg predictions until 2000.

The Sun reports that Lake passed away at 3.45am this morning (9 March) after contracting the flu.

Speaking about the loss, editor Victoria Newton said: "This is devastating news. We have lost an icon.

"Our brilliant and incomparable Meg was synonymous with The Sun - she was a total legend. We loved her and so did our readers.

"For more than two decades Mystic Meg has been a must read column and cemented her as Britain's most famous astrologer.

"She was a true professional whose guidance helped our readers daily - our postbag bears testament to this.

"One of my favourite memories of Meg is when all the Spice Girls came to the office, just as they were riding high at number one.

"We planned a tour for them but all they wanted to do was meet Mystic Meg!

"You know you're a true icon when the only person Victoria Beckham is interested in is you.

"Farewell Meg. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

People have been sharing their condolences online, with one fan writing on Twitter: "Truly sad to hear that. She was an extremely popular individual."

"Rest in peace Mystic Meg," said another, while a third added, "I used to love reading my horoscope in the sun when I was a kid. RIP."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677