BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James has shared his heartbreak following the death of his dog Barney. In an Instagram post, the Breakfast host said his beloved pet had to be put to sleep in the garden of his home.
The chocolate labrador was well known to Radio 1 listeners because James often mentioned him on his show and shared posts about his antics online. James said he was "completely floored" by Barney's death and that he "can't stop crying".
I know how loved this unbelievably daft farty brilliant dog was and I adored sharing him with everyone on here
He also asked people to give him and his wife, author Bella Mackie, some privacy as they grieved.
I can't believe our little mate has gone and it's very real and very raw
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Fellow Radio 1 presenter Charlie Hedges took over presenting duties on the breakfast show on Tuesday as James took some time off. Radio 1 listeners were among those to offer their condolences, with one texting in: "Greg if you're listening, we all love you mate."
James and Mackie adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019.
Barney had previously visited Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who starred in The Supervet, on a number of occasions, including to treat his arthritic joints.
Earlier this year, James took on a tandem cycling challenge for Comic Relief, which saw him travel 1,000km (630-mile) through England, Wales and Scotland.
To help motivate him through the challenge, one of the videos he received was of his dog Barney frantically barking at foxes in their garden.
Greg James begins 630-mile Comic Relief cycle challenge
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How did listeners and colleagues respond?
Radio 1 listeners and colleagues offered messages of support after James announced Barney's death. Charlie Hedges presented the breakfast show on Tuesday while James took time off, and one listener texted: "Greg if you're listening, we all love you mate."
What is the background to Barney's life with Greg James?
James and Bella Mackie adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019. Barney also had several visits to Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who starred in The Supervet, including treatment for his arthritic joints.
How did Barney feature in Greg James's Comic Relief challenge?
Earlier this year, James took on a tandem cycling challenge for Comic Relief, travelling 1,000km (630-mile) through England, Wales and Scotland. To help motivate him during the challenge, he received a video of Barney frantically barking at foxes in their garden.
