Greg James shares his heartbreak after death of dog Barney
BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James has announced the death of his dog, Barney. The presenter is taking time off from his show to grieve with his wife.
Why it matters
Public figures sharing personal losses often highlights the parasocial relationships between media personalities and their audiences.
Image source, Sarah Jeynes/BBC Image caption, Greg James adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019
BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James has shared his heartbreak following the death of his dog Barney.
In an Instagram post , external , the Breakfast host announced 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 as James often mentioned him on his show and shared posts about his antics online.
James said he was "completely floored" following 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," the radio presenter wrote.
He also asked for people to give him and his wife, author Bella Mackie, some privacy as they grieved.
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