Former darts commentator Tony Green, also known for his role on TV show Bullseye, has died aged 85.
Bullseye creator Andrew Wood announced the news Monday, saying Green “passed away peacefully today after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Green was a BBC commentator at the BDO World Championships from 1978 to 2016.
He was also best known for being the scorer and announcer on the long-running quiz show Bullseye, hosted by Jim Bowen on ITV between 1981 and 1995.
Green’s death was announced on the Bullseye Facebook page with “a very heavy heart” by Wood and his family.
“Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tony’s family, for whom we have so much affection, to all of Tony’s friends and to those who were lucky enough to work with him,” they said .
“Thank you Tony for all the memories, all the laughs (and believe us, there were a lot!) and all the special moments filming Bullseye together.
“What wonderful years they were and we are honored to have shared them with you.”
Bobby George, a two-time BDO finalist and long-serving BBC commentator, was among a number of former players to express their sadness at Green’s death.
“I am very sorry and sad to hear of the passing of Tony Green. He was a fine darts player, caller, commentator and icon of the show Bullseye,” George said.
Keith Deller, who won the BDO title in 1983, described Green as “one of the great darts commentators”.
Philip Bernie, interim director of BBC Sport, said Green was “truly a legendary figure”.
“He was a wonderful commentator for the BBC for almost 40 years, where the great warmth and generosity of his personality always shone through. He served the sport he loved brilliantly,” added Bernie.