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Tony Green

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Tony Green
Tony Green at the 1985 Winmau World Masters Quarterfinal
Born
Anthony John Green

(1939-01-29)29 January 1939
Died4 March 2024(2024-03-04) (aged 85)
Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England
Occupation(s)Sports commentator, television presenter
Years active1978–2016
Known forDarts commentary and Bullseye

Anthony John Green (29 January 1939 – 4 March 2024) was an English sports commentator and television presenter, best known as the co-host of the British TV show Bullseye, from 1982 to 1995 and again in 2006 & 2007.

Green was also the commentator for the annual BDO World Darts Championships from 1978 to 2016.

Broadcasting career

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Green (alongside) Sid Waddell, were the darts commentators on the BBC from 1978 to 1994.[1] Waddell left the BBC in 1994, whilst Green remained until the 2016 BDO World Darts Championships, (this being Green's final appearance ), and the last one televised by the BBC.[2] In 1990, Green was commentating during the first ever nine-dart finish at the BDO World Darts Championship. In the second round, Paul Lim netted £52,000 by hitting 180 twice, finishing with treble 20, treble 19, then double 12, to the delight of Green, commentating for the BBC.[2]

In 2000, he appeared as himself in all six episodes on the talk show Meet Ricky Gervais broadcast on Channel 4. Green was well known as the announcer and co-host, alongside Jim Bowen, of the popular television darts quiz Bullseye, produced by Central for ITV from 1982 to 1995.[2] In 2006, a reprised version of the show was aired, which was produced by Granada Productions for Challenge, and hosted by comedian Dave Spikey.[3]

Green reprised his role of 'scorer' on a special edition of Bullseye, which aired as part of the Gameshow Marathon series and was broadcast on ITV on 19 May 2007. On 18 and 19 May 2007, Green co-hosted Challenge TV's coverage of the inaugural PDC US Open tournament.[4]

In 2015, Green was narrator and commentator for the BBC's Let's Play Darts for Comic Relief.[5]

Illness and death

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In 2010, Green took a career break while being successfully treated for tongue cancer.[6]

After developing Alzheimer's disease, Green died on 4 March 2024, at the age of 85.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Waddell, Sid (2007). Bellies and Bullseyes: The Outrageous True Story of Darts. Ebury Press. ISBN 978-0-09-191755-5.
  2. ^ a b c "Forgotten Darters: Tony Green: Iconic darts commentator who called the first World Championship nine-darter". dartsnews.com. 16 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Dave Spikey keeps his eye on the Bullseye". 13 April 2006. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Challenge TV To Screen PDC US Open". Planet Darts. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Let's Play Darts For Comic Relief – Production Details & Cast and Crew – British Comedy Guide". British Comedy Guide. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  6. ^ Murray, Tom. "Bullseye star Tony Green dies aged 85". independent.co.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Tony Green, voice of BBC darts and scorer on Bullseye known for his triumphant '180!' – obituary". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
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