Darts legend Andy Fordham dies aged 59

Former World Darts Champion Andy Fordham has passed away at the age of 59.

Fordham was one of the sport’s most recognisable faces over a period of two decades and his greatest triumph saw him claim the Lakeside crown in 2004.

Having also won the BDO World Masters in 1999, Fordham was a regular in the latter stages of major tournaments and made 12 World Championship appearances between 1995 and 2006.

In November 2004, Fordham faced Phil Taylor in an historic £100,000 show-down, the first (and to date only) darts match ever to be broadcast on a pay-per-view channel.

Midway through their best-of-13-set match at The Circus Tavern, Fordham left the stage after taking unwell and was forced to withdraw, handing PDC World Champion Taylor the win.

Following medical tests, it was revealed Fordham’s liver was operating at only 25% capacity as a result of long term alcohol damage.

Fordham gave up alcohol and underwent an exercise regime in a bid to lose weight, and by 2007 he had lost an astonishing 15 stone.

He joined the PDC in 2009 and featured in multiple floor events until 2011, taking a two-year break before re-joining the BDO in 2013.

In 2015, ‘The Viking’ sensationally came through a field of 200 at the BDO qualifiers to reach the Grand Slam of Darts – where he finished third in his group after beating Wayne Jones and losing out to Adrian Lewis and Michael Smith.

Fordham’s last appearance in a major televised event came at the 2017 BDO World Trophy – where he was beaten by Glen Durrant in Round Two.

In March 2020, he was hospitalised with a bowel blockage and was set for an operation, this was followed by testing positive for Coronavirus in early 2021 which he admitted was the “scariest thing” he had to face.

Fordham had been due to compete in the inaugural World Seniors Championship at The Circus Tavern in February 2022.

Players and fans have taken to social media to pay their tributes to The Viking.

Just heard the devastating news that Andy Fordham has passed away. He was a gentle giant and loved by all. Our condolences go out to his wife Jenny family and friends. RIP ANDY FORDHAM THE VIKING. pic.twitter.com/GvJqVp9x6J

— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) July 15, 2021

God bless my friend Andy Fordham. What a pleasure it was been your friend and spending time with you. Thoughts are with his family. Cheers Hamlet

— James Wade (@JamesWade180) July 15, 2021

RIP Andy Fordham…. My darting Hero growing up who always had time for everyone… Legend of the game. Thoughts are with the family x pic.twitter.com/EDL7qR79Bg

— Jamie Lewis (@jamiedarts180) July 15, 2021

Absolutely devasted to hear the news that Andy Fordham has passed away,a darting legend and one of the nicest guys on the planet,thoughts are with the family at this time.. RIP Andy

— Kevin Painter (@OfficialKP180) July 15, 2021

Today we lost one of the sport of darts finest characters, a genuine person, world champion, a true friend of everyone, Andy Fordham, so sad to lose you, thanks for being a friend. pic.twitter.com/maaIf210Ji

— John Lowe M.B.E. (@jloweprodart) July 15, 2021

To my great friend and buddy Andy Fordham, to know you was to love you from my heart. We spent years together, and had so much fun. I’m torn apart. My respect to Jenny and all the family. 🥲🥲🥲🥲🙏 RIP Mate 💔

— Richie Burnett (@TheRichBurnett) July 15, 2021

RIP Andy Fordham, I didn’t know you well but I sure knew how great a guy you were and how much everyone in darts loved you. Rest in Peace @viking180. Heaven has gained another darts legend 💙 pic.twitter.com/QGLcBXk17R

— The Hammer (@TheHammer180) July 15, 2021

Sad news about Andy Fordham saddened and extremely upset with this !thoughts with the family

— Daryl Gurney (@Superchin180) July 15, 2021

RIP Andy Fordham #Legend pic.twitter.com/YJZBLvo9uD

— Glen Durrant (@Duzza180) July 15, 2021

Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham our thoughts are with his family

— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) July 15, 2021

So very saddened to hear of the passing away of Andy Fordham.
Not only a great friend but a sporting legend who I had the pleasure of knowing for many a year.
Our thoughts are with Jenny and the family. RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/kmMlYhVeVh

— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) July 15, 2021

Such sad news that Andy Fordham has died. A true legend and gentleman of the sport.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.

— Rob Cross (@RobCross180) July 15, 2021

Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of this Legend, it was an absolute pleasure to have worked and shared a stage with a true gent. Will be such a miss to all involved with darts. RIP Andy Fordham 💙 pic.twitter.com/xnN580Ag0g

— Chris Dobey (@Dobey10) July 15, 2021

R.I.P Andy Fordham #WorldChamp

— ColinJawsLloyd (@ColinJawsLloyd) July 15, 2021

Terrible news that Andy Fordham has passed away.
Won tournaments with Andy, roomed together across Europe, and had so many laughs and good times.
One of the good guys.
R.I.P. Andy.
Massive condolences to all his family.

— Dave Whitcombe (@DWhitcombe180) July 15, 2021