John McCririck, 78, sparks health concerns with 'gaunt and frail' BBBOTs appearance.

John McCririck has sparked concern among fans after showing off his gaunt appearance on Big Brother's Bit On The Side on Thursday evening.

The 78-year-old pundit, who appeared on CBB in January 2005, chatted animatedly on the show yet fans were thrown by his appearance as he seemed remarkably slimmer than the usual appearance that has graced screens for 40 tears.

Swarming Twitter, viewers voiced worries over the controversial TV personality, with some fans insisting he looked 'ill and gaunt' - leading to discussion over his health - before his representative told MailOnline he was recovering from a chest infection.

John was chatting on the show about the ins and outs of the final season of the Channel 5 show, yet fans were distracted by his shocking looks. 

In response to the shock from concerned and devoted vewers, a representative for John told MailOnline: 'What started with flu in the New Year led to a serious chest infection, he is recovering well but slowly'

Swarming Twitter, viewers wrote: 'I’ve never liked John McCririck, but it’s sad he looks so ill #BBBOTS... Shocking to see such a transformation. His health must not be good at all... John McCririck looks really poorly bbbots...

'Can't get over how much weight John McCririck's lost! Has he been ill? #BBBOTS... #BBBOTS #JohnMcCririck looks ill... Jeez John McCririck looks so gaunt on #bbbots since I last saw him. What's wrong with him?...