Greg James mourns death of his dog Barney, steps away from Radio 1 breakfast show

BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James announced that his chocolate Labrador Barney had to be euthanised. He posted on Instagram that he "can't stop crying" and that the dog was peacefully put to sleep in their garden.

James said he would miss his Radio 1 Breakfast Show and asked listeners not to send direct messages or comments to him or his wife, author Bella Mackie, while they grieve. Barney, adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2019, had previously received joint‑reconstruction treatment from veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.

The loss has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, but James requested privacy as he and Mackie cope with the loss of their beloved pet.