SUPER, SMASHING... AND A GREAT BLOKE
Bullseye host dies, aged 80
TRIBUTES poured in for Bullseye legend Jim Bowen last night following his death, aged 80.
The stand-up comedian became a household name in the 1980s and 90s thanks to the popular darts quiz.
Dad-of-two Jim died yesterday with his wife Phyllis by his side. He had been in hospital for weeks. Fellow comedy icon Sir Ken Dodd died on Sunday.
Former boxing world champion Frank Bruno tweeted about Jim: “Great comic. We worked together many times, had a lot of laughs together.”
Paddy McGuinness, who appeared alongside him in the Peter Kay sitcom Phoenix Nights, said: “Man this week sucks!
“It was a pleasure to spend the day with him while filming his scenes.”
Memories
Jim had suffered a number of strokes since 2011.
Family friend John Pleus said: “He passed away very peacefully. We are all shedding a tear.
“It wasn’t completely unexpected – he’s been ill for several weeks in hospital.”
Darts legend Eric Bristow tweeted: “I played darts in the afternoon and he played with his band at night, we had some late nights, ha ha. Great memories.”
Fellow player Bobby George thanked the broadcaster “for the great Bullseye days”.
Lancashire-born Jim’s famous catchphrases included “Super, smashing, great”, “Now look what you could have won...” and “You win nothing but your BFH: Bus Fare Home.”
Bullseye ran for 14 years from 1981 and was watched by more than 12million fans.
Challenge TV will broadcast the show for 24 hours on Saturday as a tribute.
Jim, who was a deputy headmaster before his television career took off, also had cameos on Last Of The Summer Wine and the detective series Jonathan Creek.