Tony Green, the Hull-born co-host of the popular Eighties game show Bullseye, has died at the age of 85, it has been announced.
The much-loved personality passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, according to a statement posted to the TV show’s social media accounts. Tony was a former amateur darts player and darts commentator at the BBC, but he was best known for being the co-host with Jim Bowen of ITV’s dart-based show Bullseye, from 1982.
A statement announcing his death, said: “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."
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The statement added: “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.”
Tony was born in Hull in 1939, the son of Ellen Sizer and Johnny Green. When his parents divorced in the 1950s, he moved with his mother from Hull to Middleton, Greater Manchester.
His career in darts began in his 20s, when he was working as a supervisor in a local warehouse and would pop into his local pub to chance his arm at darts. He told the Middleton Guardian, his local paper, how he became a member of the Hare and Hounds team and became good enough to turn professional.
While attending a world championship, he was asked by the BBC to be a commentator. Tony, a father of three, gave up the game for commentary and had a long stint on Bullseye, with his familiar catchphrases including "That's the Bullseye", and "Take your time".
Darts player Steve Beaton, who was nicknamed the Bronzed Adonis on the oche, paid tribute to the star on his X account. He said: “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.”
Darren Lethem, the host of the annual Tribfest event in East Yorkshire, shared an image of himself with Tony. He wrote: "RIP Tony Green. Met him in 2009. Did an interview and we just talked and talked and talked. Born in Hull of course.”
Darts World Magazine posted: "Tony Green: A Much Loved Voice of Darts. A warm, affectionate tribute to a man who gave much of his life to the benefit of our game. 13 years in our homes on Sunday afternoon. Thirty-eight years colouring TV darts for the general public."
Five-time World Darts Champion Raymond van Barneveld said: “Very sad to hear Tony Green passed away. Such a lovely guy, always friendly and kind, worked with him on Bullseye and at The Embassy World Darts Championship. 'Can you do it in 1 for the title?' Thinking of his family at this time.”
