09 March 2023 , 09:41
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Famous astrologer Mystic Meg, who's real name was Margaret Lake, has died at the age of 80.
The iconic astrologer, who shot to fame with her readings on the National Lottery, died following a short illness.
Her agent Dave Shapland announced the news in a statement, which read: "Without any question, she was Britain’s most famous astrologer by a million miles.
"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?’"
Popular astrologer Mystic Meg, who rose to fame on the National Lottery programmes in the 1990s, has died
Meg's death was announced by her management (Daily Record)Her agent added to The Sun how the phrase "shows what an impact she made".
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Mystic Meg was born in the Lancashire town of Accrington, where her Romany grandmother taught her astrology.
She also worked with the now-defunct News Of The World, where she was employed as a sub-editor before working her way up to deputy editor.
Later, Meg became the paper's regular astrologer and changed her name to Meg Markova.
The astrologer rose to fame as she made regular appearances on the National Lottery from 1994 until 2000.
In an item in the live broadcast, Meg would attempt to predict facts about the future lottery winner.
Her theatrical predictions during her live broadcasts, which saw her attempt to guess the lottery winner with the help of her pendulum surrounded by plumes of smoke, garnered huge popularity across the country.
Mystic Meg became incredibly popular for her readings (Rex)Before her TV fame, she gave horoscope readings over the phone in a service which started in 1989.
Meg's telephone readings became so popular she broke BT records.
Away from her crystal ball, Meg lived a clean life – choosing a vegan diet and refusing to touch alcohol or tobacco.
She lived in the posh London suburb of Notting Hill. Meg shared her home with seven cats, which she said found her and moved in.
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Tributes to the iconic popular astrologer, easily recognised by her short raven bob and red lipstick, have began pouring in.
Tributes to the popular astrologer have poured in
Piers Morgan called Mystic Meg a 'fascinatingly mysterious lady' (Daily Record)Former boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: "Morning I thought today is quiet news wise then I heard Mystic Meg has passed away so RIP Mystic Meg we worked together a few times mainly on TV shows she used to offer to tell me my future I was a bit weary of her to be honest. Away from the mystic part she was a charming lady".
Author Toni Tone added: "Mystic Meg was one of my TV highlights as a child! My brother and I would wait with bated breath to hear her predictions about who would win the lottery next. We’d look back at our parents eagerly trying to determine if they matched the physical descriptions
"RIP Mystic Meg".
Piers Morgan told The Sun: "Mystic Meg was Britain’s most famous astrologer and a fascinatingly mysterious lady who loved her work with a passion but was rarely seen or heard in public.
"I was her editor at the News of the World for several years and she was extraordinarily professional in everything she did. A master of her very popular craft."