John McCririck plays down health concerns after shock reaction to weight loss

Iconic racing figure John McCririck has played down fears over his health after concern was expressed on social media about his gaunt appearance on a Big Brother spin-off show on Thursday.

McCririck – known as Big Mac during a lengthy period as a pundit on Channel 4 Racing – said the weight loss had been deliberate but was accelerated by a spell of ill health last year.

"I've seen one or two tweets with people saying I look gaunt and everything," said 78-year-old McCririck on Talkradio on Saturday.

"I've lost a lot of weight but I always say you never see fat old men – you can't carry the weight around. I've been losing weight deliberately, and have not been helped by not being well in the last year or so.

"I had a very bad chest infection and things like that, and as a consequence you feel weak, you can't walk properly, eat properly."

He added: "I say to anyone who is ill – give yourself a target, something you will do in three or six months' time."

Responding to a well-wisher on Twitter, McCririck's wife Jenny – who he calls the Booby – said: "Thank you. Much appreciated. He is getting better but slowly."

In 2013 McCririck lost a high-profile age discrimination case against Channel 4. He claimed he was axed "by anonymous suits and skirts" after almost three decades with the broadcaster.

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