In The News

Darts broadcaster Sid Waddell passes away

Darts broadcaster Sid Waddell passes away

THE death has taken place of the broadcaster Sid Waddell who was known as the voice of darts. He was 72.

Mr. Waddell was a Cambridge graduate who left a career in academia to become an accomplished scriptwriter and a television producer. He worked on a wide range of TV shows including Whicker’s Women and The Russel Harty Show. He also wrote scripts for the successful children’s TV shows Jossey’s Giants and Sloggers.

But it was his great love for darts which was to result in him being remembered as one of the great sports commentators. He had strengthened is love of darts after a sports injury while at university meant he had to stop playing rugby for a time.

When the first World Professional Darts Championships was held in 1978 Mr. Waddell was one of the commentators and it quickly became clear that his broadcasting style was totally suited to the sport.

Fans loved his inventive and colourful one-liners (see below) which made his broadcasting so entertaining.

 Away from the microphone, Mr. Waddell wrote a number of books including Bellies and Bullseys, which was short listed for the British Sports Book Awards in 2008. He also penned a number of biographies — his subjects included John Lowe, Jocky Wilson and Phil Taylor.

Many tributes were paid to Mr. Waddell from fellow broadcasters and those involved in the sport he loved.

Barry Hearn, the chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, said: “Sid was iconic, immortal and irreplaceable. As a commentator he wasn’t just the voice of darts, he transcended sport and was part of our national culture”.

Mr. Hearn also revealed that the Sid Waddell Trophy has been commissioned  and will be competed for at future PDC World Championships.

To listen to a collection of Sid Waddell’s one-liners, click here.

To view an interview with Sid Waddell, click here.

 

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