Bullseye legend and darts commentator Tony Green has died aged 85 after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Green was the announcer and co-host of the beloved ITV darts game show from 1982 to 1995.
His death comes six years after fellow Bullseye host Jim Bowen passed away in March 2018 aged 80. The pair worked together on the Sunday afternoon show for 13 years.
Bullseye wrote in a statement today: ‘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.’
Bullseye legend and darts commentator Tony Green has died aged 85 after a battle with Alzheimer’s
Tony Green is pictured with Bullseye host Jim Bowen who also sadly passed away six years ago
Born on January 29, 1939, Green made a massive contribution to darts and broadcasting after competing as an amateur for several years.
Green was the lead BBC commentator during the first British Darts Organisation World Championships in 1978.
The star remained in his role until the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships in 2016 – the last one aired by the broadcaster.
But it was also his appearance on darts show Bullseye that Green became a household name. The show used to rake in 20 million viewers at its peak in the 1980s.
Bullseye saw contestants compete for a series of prizes and Green was known for his iconic catchphrases, including ‘And Bully’s special prize…’.
Green was diagnosed with cancer on the tongue in December 2010, which ruled him out of commentating on the 2011 Lakeside World Darts Championship. But he returned in 2012 after making a swift recovery.
Former world number one and 1996 champion Steve Beaton paid tribute today, penning: ‘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.’
And sports blogger Elliot West wrote: ‘RIP Tony Green. A true legend a brilliant darts commentator and a central part of Bullseye.’
Fans also paid tribute to the late broadcaster, with one writing: ”If there was ever an essential part of @BullseyeTVshow I’ll always remember then it’s Tony Green’s great commentary, his banter with Jim Bowen and his still iconic catchphrases like ‘INNNNNN ONNEE!’ and ‘Bully’s special prize!’ The world has lost such a great man.’
A second penned: ‘Sad news today. Tony Green and Jim Bowen brought a lot of fun and enthusiasm to the show and it is upsetting that they have both left us now. RIP Tony.’
And a third posted: ‘Without question bullseye was my absolute favourite show when growing up. Perfect Sunday afternoon entertainment. Jim and Tony were perfect together. My condolences to all of Tony’s family, RIP Legend.’
In January, The Sun reported that Bullseye was set to return following a rise in the popularity of darts thanks to 16-year-old Luke Littler’s journey to the final of the World Championships.
Former Top Gear host Paddy McGuiness had been rumoured as a possible host – but no formal conversations appear to have taken place.