Iconic darts commentator John Gwynne passes away aged 77

Legendary sports broadcaster and PDC Hall of Fame member John Gwynne has passed away aged 77 following a battle with cancer.

A highly-respected sports broadcaster, Gwynne was part of the Sky Sports commentary team at the WDC’s first World Championship in 1993, having previously reported on the sport for radio and “Darts Phone Line Commentary” after moving from his original career as a schoolteacher.

He would remain an integral part of the Sky Sports team for the next two decades, fittingly retiring in 2013 after covering 20 World Championships and 20 World Matchplays.

In the proceeding years, Gwynne made several guest appearances in the commentary box, the last of which coming at the inaugural World Seniors Championship at The Circus Tavern in February 2022.

Gwynne championed the Log-End format of the sport – popular in his native Manchester – and also worked as an exhibition MC and referee.

His work with Sky Sports had seen him report on football for Soccer Saturday, and he subsequently wrote his ‘Soccer Satisfied’ book which was published in 2020 and details his experiences in the sport.

He also covered cricket, rugby league and speedway, and was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2014.

Alongside legendary colleagues including Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning, Gwynne was on hand to call in some of darts’ most iconic moments, including the 2007 World Championship final between Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor.

He was famously joined by cricket star Andrew Flintoff in the commentary box during the 2012 World Matchplay when Michael van Gerwen burst onto the scene with a nine-dart finish against Steve Beaton.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday morning after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Tributes have poured in on social media from players, fans and colleagues.

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝.”

John Gwynne and Sid Waddell at their brilliant best ❤️pic.twitter.com/0PbloyBLkN

— Live Darts (@livedarts) July 9, 2022

Really sad to hear that @OnlyJohnGwynne has passed away shared great times together and I Will remember him fondly sleep well buddy.

— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) July 9, 2022

Sad news this morning at the passing of @OnlyJohnGwynne. A great commentator but more importantly just a fantastic person. RIP my friend

— Mark Webster (@Webby180) July 9, 2022

I couldn’t fit everything I wanted to say in one tweet about the sad passing of my good friend John Gwynne. So I have written the following note #ripjohngwynne pic.twitter.com/jAIPGuMNvf

— Dennis Priestley (@denpriestley180) July 9, 2022

RIP Pal.. We have lost a good mate/colleague. 1st met 1986 (Pic) Lancs County Debut, been mates since. Will miss Footie banter, cricket and after dinner stories and reminiscing the darts circuit. Condolences to his family. Will miss him a lot.. pic.twitter.com/oq9ykD7MIJ

— The Iceman Darts (@AlanWarriner) July 9, 2022

I will never forget the line, “Blackpool in July, London in December” your voice always told the story. Rest in Peace John 💚

— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) July 9, 2022

So sad to hear that my friend and colleague John
Gwynne has left us. John had one of the great commentary voices and always found the right words.His colleagues @SkySportsDarts @SoccerSaturday will miss him. Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning will be waiting with a pint Gwynnie x https://t.co/KgSCb01fWg

— Dave Clark (@DaveClarkTV) July 9, 2022

RIP John Gwynne. A very sad day. We had some laughs mate. Deepest sympathy go out to your family and friends. 💙💙

— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) July 9, 2022

Very sad news this morning to hear the passing of John Gwynne such a gentleman. Sending all our thoughts to his family and friends. 💙 James & Sammi x

— James Wade (@JamesWade180) July 9, 2022

Terribly sad news to hear of John Gwynnes passing, our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this difficult time

— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) July 9, 2022

Sad day for the Gwynne family and the sporting community. It’s goodbye for now Gwynney, but we will always cherish what you gave us. #RIPJohnGwynne pic.twitter.com/QRDqoyfE4O

— Paul “The Asset” Nicholson (@TheAsset180) July 9, 2022

A terribly sad day with the passing of my friend John Gwynne…. A giant of a man, a giant voice and a huge personality….reunited with Sid Waddell & Dave Lanning – the darting holy trinity ….

— Stuart Pyke (@stuartpykesport) July 9, 2022

Just woke up to hear the sad news that one of the best darts commentators we have had the privilege to hear and also a good friend of mine John Gwynne has sadly passed.John’s enthusiasm working for @SkySportsDarts always shone through. Thoughts are with John’s family.
RIP John

— Keith Deller (@KDeller138) July 9, 2022

So so sad to hear the passing of John Gwynne, Been a long time friend and work buddy,,RIP my friend xx pic.twitter.com/5z8xlfLFNg

— Russ Bray (@Russ180) July 9, 2022

Really sad news to wake up to this morning that a great friend in John Gwynne has died 😢😢

— Michael Smith (@Michael180Smith) July 9, 2022