Darts commentator and legendary Bullseye announcer Tony Green has died aged 85.
The official Twitter (X) page of the much-loved darts quiz show – rumoured for an imminent comeback on the back of Luke Littler’s high profile success – was among the first to share the news and mourn the passing of the unmistakeable voice of “one hundred and eiggggghhhhhhty,” saying on Twitter: “With a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend & much loved colleague Mr Tony Green. Tony passed away peacefully today after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Our love goes to Tony’s family & friends.”
Dutch darts legend Raymond van Barneveld also added his own tribute, describing Wood as “a lovely guy.”
Green was a BBC commentator at the BDO World Championships from 1978 to 2016, sitting in the commentary box alongside the equally legendary Sid Waddell until 1994. He was himself a former amateur player, who played county darts for Lancashire, and in his capacity as a British Darts Organisation (BDO) official was a protagonist in the bitter dispute which resulted in the formation of the rival governing body, the Professional Darts Corporation in 1992.
He was also a onetime chair of the International Darts Players’ Association (IDPA), the ‘players’ union’ for those who played in the BDO.
He was perhaps best known, however, as the scorer and announcer on long-running Sunday teatime favourite Bullseye, which was hosted by Jim Bowen on ITV between 1981 and 1995.
Philip Bernie, interim director of BBC Sport, said Green was “truly a legendary figure.”
Bernie added: “He was a wonderful commentator on it for the BBC for nearly 40 years, where the great warmth and generosity of his personality always shone through. He served the sport he loved brilliantly,” added Bernie.
Check out Green’s Bullseye co-host, the sadly also late Jim Bowen, discussing his erstwhile on-screen partner, with a classic Bowen punchline, here:
And his commentary on the first and only nine-darter in Lakeside history here, courtesy of Guardian sportsdesk regular John Brewin:
