Darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor led the tributes to Tony Green after the Bullseye referee died at 85 after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s illness.
Green co-hosted the hit ITV present with Jim Bowen for 13 years from 1982 to 1995. And 16-times world champion Taylor, who appeared as a daily visitor on the programme within the throw-for-charity slot, mentioned: “We’ve misplaced a beautiful man who was a part of the material of darts.
“He accompanied me to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year bash in London as soon as – within the yr I beat Eric Bristow within the last – and I used to be amazed how many individuals appeared to know him on the crimson carpet. Everybody wished his autograph or to shake his hand, and I mentioned to him, ‘Crikey, bud – I’m the world champion however you’re the most well-liked man right here.’
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“Tony had a coronary heart of gold. I nonetheless watch re-runs of Bullseye on the field now, and we all the time joked about the truth that I by no means hit the 301 with 9 darts, on the visitor slot. (Star gamers gained £1 some extent for the contestants’ chosen charity, with the cash doubled in the event that they scored 301 or extra).
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“Once I was so embarrassed to fall short that I gave the winning couple my £300 appearance fee. Tony was such a lovely fella. It feels like another one of the game’s most faithful companions has gone.”
Other darts stars additionally paid tribute to Green, together with Bobby George, who wrote: “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.”
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While one other former world champion, Steve Beaton, mentioned: “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.”