Jim Bowen, host of ITV’s darts-based game show Bullseye, has passed away, aged 80.
His wife confirmed the news to BBC Radio Lancashire, and his agent Patsy Martin told the Press Association: “He has sadly died.”
National treasure Jim began his career as a stand-up comedian on the club circuit in the 60s, but became a household name presenting the Sunday teatime quiz show in the 80s and 90s.
It aired for 15 years and was watched by over 12 million viewers.
Jim became known for the “super, smashing, great” and “now look what you could have won…” catchphrases in the show.
The Lancashire native also appeared in Celebrity Squares, Talking Telephone Numbers and The Weakest Link, and had cameo roles in dramas such as Last Of The Summer Wine as well as roles in Jonathan Creek and in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights..
The former deputy headmaster is survived by his wife Phyllis and two children.
Tributes are already pouring in on Twitter.
RIP to the legendary Jim Bowen! pic.twitter.com/S7igLb2uxE
— Gaz Backhouse (@lostruin) 14 March 2018
Jim Bowen gone to join the caravans and speedboats in the sky. #tellylegend #bullseye
— BantamJo (@jegolton) 14 March 2018
RIP Jim Bowen. Used to love watching a bit of bully back in the day. #nothininthisgamefor2inabed #ripjimbowen
— Dominic Northcott (@del_dommie) 14 March 2018
Mirror TV critic Ian Hyland told ED!: “Jim Bowen was one of a kind and helmed one of the greatest TV quiz shows of all time.
“Millions of us will have fond memories of watching Bullseye as kids. Jim was a true people person, who treated everyone – celebrities and contestants – the same. And he was bloody funny too.”
TV critic Adam Postans added: “Jim was truly one of a kind in television.
“He made Bullseye a national institution. Not many TV shows are a man’s calling. Bullseye was Jim’s.
“His dodgy jokes and bumbling manner were all part of its charm.
“If there was a joke to be had at his own expense, he would make it. In a nostalgic tribute show to Bullseye in 2015, he described his own presenting style as ‘a demented shepherd’.
“He finally has his BFH (bus fare home). Can’t beat a bit of Bully.”
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