According to the Sun newspaper, where Lake had written a horoscope column for over 20 years, she died in the early hours of Thursday morning, having been admitted to hospital last month while suffering from flu.
Born in Lancashire in 1942, where her grandmother taught her astrology, Lake became a well-known figure during the 1990s through her television appearances on the National Lottery.
RIP Mystic Meg – purveyor of weirdly specific predictions and single-handed saviour of dry ice manufacturers pic.twitter.com/dTmyW6yCii
— Tom Hourigan (@TomHourigan) March 9, 2023
“Without any question, she was Britain’s most famous astrologer by a million miles,” her agent, Dave Shapland, said.
“Nobody came close to Meg in that respect. She was followed by millions in this country and also around the world.
“She even became part of the English language – if a politician, somebody from showbiz or ordinary people in the street are asked a tricky question they will say 'Who do you think I am, Mystic Meg?’ It shows what an impact she made.”
Victoria Newton, editor of the Sun, described Lake as “an icon” and her passing as “devastating news”.
“For more than two decades Mystic Meg has been a must-read column and cemented her as Britain’s most famous astrologer… She was a true professional whose guidance helped our readers daily – our postbag bears testament to this.”
“One of my favourite memories of Meg,” Newton continued, “is when all the Spice Girls came to the office just as they were riding high at number one. We planned a tour for them, but all they wanted to do was meet Mystic Meg! You know you’re a true icon when the only person Victoria Beckham is interested in is you.
“Farewell Meg. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
From 1994 to 2000, Lake hosted Mystic Meg Predicts on the National Lottery. The 45-second reading attempted to predict facts about the future lottery winner.
Morning I thought today is quiet news wise then I heard Mystic Meg has passed away so RIP Mystic Meg we worked together a few times mainly on TV shows she used to offer to tell me my future I was a bit weary of her to be honest. Away from the mystic part she was a charming lady pic.twitter.com/m1KBKSxUqP
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) March 9, 2023
Lake was credited after Mary Jones from Gwynedd, North Wales, won £9.3 million in the lottery in 2004.
“I read Mystic Meg in The Sun,” Jones said, “and it said don’t forget to check your lottery ticket. I couldn’t believe it when I realised it had come true.”
Lake also wrote several books, including Mystic Meg’s Astrolife and Mystic Meg’s Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery.
