Greg James and his wife Bella Mackie have blasted a ‘deranged’ critic in the wake of their beloved dog Barney’s death. On Monday, the Radio 1 host revealed the ‘horrible news’ that Barney had died and said he ‘can’t stop crying’ and would not host his radio show on Tuesday while author Bella shared a sobbing video later in the week.His death comes in the midst of Bella’s promo of her new book Claws Out! and she took to Instagram to caveat that despite the fact she is grieving she would be sharing promotional content about the book, which is due for release on 27 August.On Thursday, the author took to Instagram to excitedly share the first review of Claws Out!, as she posted a selfie while holding the book alongside the caption: ‘First review is in! It’s some very welcome good news at a very sad time…’When a follower wrote: ‘Too soon before your pup died!!’, Bella simply replied: ‘F**k you’, while Greg went for a more impassioned: ‘our grief and how we deal with it is absolutely nothing to do with you. Or more simply put, what Bella just said.’ Greg James and his wife Bella Mackie have blasted a ‘deranged’ critic in the wake of their beloved dog Barney’s death The couple were locked in a furious exchange with the commenter On Thursday, the author took to Instagram to excitedly share the first review of Claws Out!, as she posted a selfie while holding the book alongside the caption: ‘First review is in! It’s some very welcome good news at a very sad time’ The rest of the post comprised images of Bella’s head placed over various iconic writers’ bodies including Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh. A picture of a shirtless Greg concluded the post, as they revealed he was behind the post, which was reflecting the review’s words, reading: ‘Mackie’s previous book, What A Way To Go, was guided by Jilly Cooper (in a bad mood) and Agatha Christie…’Here, Christie’s influence is discernible again — it’s ingeniously plotted — but she’s been joined by Dickens and perhaps Waugh…’The tone is deliciously spiky, whether Mackie is reporting on the feud, nailing cameo characters or satirising social trends. It’s not only Diana and Cat who have got their claws out.’Harking back to her hurtful commenter, Bella shared the exchange on Instagram stories with the caption: ‘Gave me an odd moment of dark comedy actually so thanks for your deranged message I guess?’ Fans of Bella and Greg flooded the comment with criticism, with protective users writing: ‘part of Bella’s contract will have that she has to do promo at certain times…’You could watch her current story and see how she really feels, then maybe just delete this comment?… she’s literally crying in her story talking about it. People still have to work and get on with life too. Even if it’s shitty… A picture of a shirtless Greg concluded the post, as they revealed he was behind the post Fans jumped to her defence over the post ‘clearly you didn’t look into her stories about doing this before you commented. And look how well that worked out for you.’ Greg and Bella adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019, and he featured regularly on both of their social medias.Sharing a snap of Barney, Greg penned: ‘I’m sorry to bring such horrible news but we had to put our lovely Barn to sleep earlier today…’I can’t really get my head around it. But he was peaceful, we were with him at home in the garden in the sunshine and I can’t stop crying…’I know how loved this unbelievably daft farty brilliant dog was and I adored sharing him with everyone on here but I hope you understand why comments are off and can I just ask you to not pile in with DMs particularly for Bella for a bit please… The rest of the post comprised images of Bella’s head placed over various iconic writers’ bodies including Agatha Christie and Evelyn Waugh’We’re completely floored by it and I can’t believe our little mate has gone and it’s very real and very raw and just so fucking sad. He was the best…’Lots of love xx. Ps. Not on the show tomorrow obvs x.’Replacing him on Radio 1 on Tuesday morning was Charlie Hedges, who told listeners: ‘Charlie Hedges in for one of the best people on the planet, Mr Greg James, who I just want to send a massive hug to.’We love you Greg so so much – and want to keep the vibes positive for him today and have some fun.’Later in the show she added: ‘If you follow Greg on Instagram, you’d have seen he posted last night. And also, shout out to you lot.’Of course, you’re never ever gonna disappoint him and let him down. You’re sending in so many beautiful messages, so thank you very much and I will pass them onto him for sure.’Barney was often mentioned on James’s radio show and was the subject of a recurring segment called ‘Barney, Are You There?!’ The warm review led to Bella branding herself ‘giddy’ Greg and Bella adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2019, and he featured regularly on both of their social medias Barney suffered from severe and progressive joint issues, including extensive arthritis in multiple joints. Barney received extensive orthopaedic care over the years for these mobility problems and had multiple surgeries.Last month they celebrated Barney’s birthday and shared a clip giving him his birthday cake. Greg penned: ‘Happy Birthday to the greatest idiot in the world.’Eight years ago he didn’t know we existed and I’ll be forever grateful to the b****nds that gave him to Battersea which eventually led him to us.’He’s ruined our lives in the best possible way and I wouldn’t change any of it.”He was anxious and panicky when we met him, but the satisfaction you get from helping animals trust and love a human again is life-affirming,’ Greg recently told PETA of adopting Barney.Barney even had his own Instagram page which has 67,000 followers.