TV astrologer Margaret Lake, better known as Mystic Meg, has died at the age of 80.
She was a popular television personality in the 1990s, appearing in the National Lottery and writing horoscopes for the Sun for over two decades.
According to the papers, Lake died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being hospitalized after contracting the flu last month.
Her agent Dave Shapland said: “He is undoubtedly the most famous British astrologer by far.
“No one comes close to Meg in that regard. She is followed by millions in this country as well as around the world.
“It’s even become part of the English language – when a politician, showbiz person or commoner on the street is asked a tough question, they say, ‘Who do you think I am, Mystic Meg?’.
“That shows the impact she has.”
Illusionist and magician Uri Geller paid tribute to Mystic Meg on social media, noting that she was “highly recognizable by name and image.”
“The classic fortune teller who brought mysticism and mysticism to millions of believers. She defies dark naysayers, as do her fans,” she wrote. “Lots of love and positive energy, Meg, on your journey forward.”
Sun editor Victoria Newton said: “This is devastating news. We have lost an icon.
“For more than two decades, Mystic Meg has been required reading and has established her as the UK’s most renowned astrologer.
“She was a true professional whose guidance helps our readers every day – our mailbags are proof of that.”
Born in Lancashire in 1942, Lake is perhaps best known for presenting Mystic Meg Predicts in the 1994-2000 National Lottery, which was broadcast on BBC One.
For the article, Mystic Meg did a 45-second read in which she tried to predict facts about future lottery winners before their numbers were drawn.
The BBC cut his regular spot in a 1997 cast revamp, but he returned the following year to sketch alongside presenter Bradley Walsh.
She was also an astrologer for the News of the World until he was hired in 2011, and his predictions have also been featured in publications in Australia and the US.
In his practice, he worked with runes, crystal balls, yi jing, tarot, and numerology. According to the horoscope, Mystic Meg’s zodiac sign is Leo.
She has also published a number of books over the years, including Mystic Megs Astrolife and Mystic Megs Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery.
A previous Lotto Flip winner credits Mystic Meg for encouraging her to check her ticket after hiding it in the cookie jar by her bed.
After mother of four Mary Jones, from Gwynedd, North Wales, won £9.3 million in 2004, she said: “I read Mystic Meg in The Sun, and it said don’t forget to check your lottery ticket. I couldn’t believe it when I found out it came true.”
