‘We are all shedding a tear’... Bullseye’s Jim Bowen dies aged 80
BOXER Frank Bruno and stars from the world of darts have led tributes to Jim Bowen, the former Bullseye presenter, who has died.
The TV star — who presented the darts-based gameshow in the 1980s and 1990s — passed away yesterday morning at the age of 80.
He died with his wife Phyl- lis by his side following several weeks in hospital.
Family friend John Pleus said: “He passed away very peacefully, (Phyllis) was with him. We are all shedding a tear.
“I’ve known him since the Bullseye days.
“It wasn’t completely unexpected, he’s been ill for several weeks in hospital.
“The Royal Lancaster Infirmary were wonderful, we couldn’t have asked for better.”
The Lancashire-born star was best known for his role as the genial host of Bullseye, which aired for 14 years from 1981 until 1995 and was watched by over 12 million viewers.
The programme, which obtained cult status among university students, saw Mr Bowen spout his popular catchphrases “super, smashing, great” and “now look what you could have won ...”. He enjoyed cameo roles in shows such as Last Of The Summer Wine, as well as roles in Jonathan Creek and in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights.
In 2011 Mr Bowen, also known as Alf in the Tetley Bitter adverts, said he had learned to “appreciate all the things in life” after suffering two strokes.
Ex-professional darts players Bobby George, Keith Deller and Eric Bristow were among those paying tribute on social media, with George thanking Mr Bowen “for the great Bullseye days”, adding “we had so much fun”.
Ex-heavyweight boxer Bruno also referred to the death earlier this week of comedian Ken Dodd. He posted: “Jim Bowen RIP great comic we worked together many times had a lot of laughs together. Jim & Ken Dodd sad time for the entertainment industry.”
Mr Bowen will be remembered by Challenge TV on Saturday, which will broadcast 24 hours of Bullseye as a tribute.