Darts commentator and Bullseye host Tony Green dies after lengthy well being battle

Legendary darts commentator and Bullseye presenter Tony Green has died aged 85.

A former newbie participant, Green went on to change into the BBC’s lead commentator for his or her protection of the game, together with the annual BDO world championship. He continued to lend his voice to the sport till 2016.

He was additionally well-known for saying and co-hosting hit ITV recreation present Bullseye, which ran from 1982 to 1995. His passing was revealed by a put up on their Facebook web page which learn: “It’s with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and much loved colleague Mr Tony Green.

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“Tony handed away peacefully at this time after a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s. Our love, ideas and prayers exit to all of Tony’s household, who we maintain such affection for, to all of Tony pals and those that have been fortunate sufficient to work with him.

“Thank you Tony for all the memories, all the laughs (and trust us there were many!) and all the special times filming Bullseye together, what wonderful years those were and we are honoured to have shared them with you.

“You can be missed our expensive good friend. All our love, Andrew, Laura & Jane Wood X,” it concluded from the present’s creators.

Keith Deller, the BDO 1983 world champion, took to X and wrote: “Sad to hear the news of the passing of our friend Tony Green. Tony was one of the great darts commentators who went on to do bullseye for many years. Tony loved his golf and our thoughts are with Tony’s family at this sad time. RIP Tony.”

Former world No.1 and 1996 champion Steve Beaton posted: “So sad to hear the news that Tony Green has passed away my thoughts are with Jacky and all the family. Such a nice guy did plenty of exhibitions together and golf days and he gave me my nickname. RIP my friend.”

The iconic Bobby George reacted: “So sorry and sad to hear of Tony Green’s passing he was a good dart player, caller, commentator and an icon of the #Bullseye show. Our condolences go out to Jacqui and family at this very sad time.”

Green’s legacy in darts extends past the commentary sales space. He means key within the dispute that led to the formation of the PDC and chaired the International Darts Players’ Association.

His partnership with Sid Waddell have been the voices a technology of followers grew up with and he memorably referred to as Paul Lim’s nine-darter in 1990 – which stays the one in Lakeside historical past. His final job for the Beeb was the World Professional Darts Championships there in 2016.

Green had taken a break from broadcasting six years previous to endure profitable therapy on most cancers of the tongue. He reprised his scorer function on Bullseye for a particular episode in 2007.

During the peak of the present’s recognition, tens of millions would tune in on a Sunday afternoon to observe him and host Jim Bowen. His “it’s a bullseye” and “Bully’s special prize…” catchphrases have lived lengthy within the reminiscence, as will he.