Famous newspaper astrologer Mystic Meg dies age 80

Mystic Meg wrote a regular horoscope column for The Sun newspaper for nearly 23 years.

She also became a regular part of the National Lottery when it first started being broadcast on TV in 1994.

Her agent of 34 years Dave Shapland told the Sun: "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."

Mystic Meg was born in Accrington, Lancashire, in 1942.

Although she studied for a teacher's diploma at the University of Leeds but went on to instead work on publishing.

She started her horoscope readings for The Sun in 1989, becoming a household name across the UK.

Victoria Newton, the current editor of the Sun, 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."