Bullseye legend and former commentator Tony Green passes away

Tributes are being paid to former darts commentator and Bullseye star Tony Green – who has passed away at the age of 85.

Green became synonymous with the sport in the 1980s when he worked alongside Jim Bowen on the iconic ITV gameshow Bullseye.

A former amateur darts player, he went on to become the BBC’s lead commentator on the BDO World Championship from its inception in 1978 until the BBC’s final coverage of the event in 2016.

Green commentated on some of the sport’s most historic moments, most notably the first televised nine-dart finish by Paul Lim at Lakeside in 1990.

He co-hosted Bullseye from 1982-1995 and became a household name, with the prime time show attracting up to 20 million viewers at its peak.

On Monday, it was announced that Green had passed away at the age of 85 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A post on the Bullseye Facebook account read: “It’s with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and much loved colleague Mr Tony Green. Tony passed away peacefully today after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

“Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tony’s family, who we hold such affection for, to all of Tony friends and those who were lucky enough to work with him. Thank you Tony for all the memories, all the laughs (and trust us there were many!) and all the special times filming Bullseye together. What wonderful years those were and we are honoured to have shared them with you. You will be missed our dear friend.”

Players and fans have taken to social media to pay their tributes, including 1996 Lakeside Champion Steve Beaton, who wrote: “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.”

Bobby George, who commentated alongside Green at Lakeside for more than a decade, reacted: “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.”

Keith Deller, the 1983 World Champion, posted: “Tony was one of the great darts commentators who went on to do bullseye for many years. Tony loved his golf and our thoughts are with Tony’s family at this sad time. RIP Tony.”

Green’s former BBC commentary colleague David Croft added: “Sad news this evening that Tony Green has passed away at the age of 85. So many laughs and giggles in the commentary box in the years we worked together. Thanks mate, you were a total legend. RIP Tony.”