Phil Taylor pays tribute to Bullseye icon Tony Green who was 'part of the fabric of darts'

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Darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor led the tributes to Tony Green after the Bullseye referee died at 85 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Green co-hosted the hit ITV show with Jim Bowen for 13 years from 1982 to 1995. And 16-times world champion Taylor, who appeared as a regular guest on the programme in the throw-for-charity slot, said: “We’ve lost a lovely man who was part of the fabric of darts.

“He accompanied me to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year bash in London once - in the year I beat Eric Bristow in the final - and I was amazed how many people seemed to know him on the red carpet. Everybody wanted his autograph or to shake his hand, and I said to him, ‘Crikey, bud - I’m the world champion but you’re the most popular man here.’

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“Tony had a heart of gold. I still watch re-runs of Bullseye on the box now, and we always joked about the fact that I never hit the 301 with nine darts, on the guest slot. (Star players won £1 a point for the contestants’ chosen charity, with the money doubled if they scored 301 or more).

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“Once I was so embarrassed to fall short that I gave the winning couple my £300 appearance fee. Tony was such a lovely fella. It feels like another one of the game’s most faithful companions has gone.”

Other darts stars also paid tribute to Green, including Bobby George, who wrote: "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."

While another former world champion, Steve Beaton, 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."

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