Jeff Stelling leads tribute to legendary darts commentator John Gwynne, who has died aged 77 after battling cancer… as PDC chiefs mourn a ‘sad time for all who knew him’
John Gwynne has died aged 77, his son Andrew confirmed on Saturday
Gwynne has won 20 PDC World Championships during his career
He also commented on sports such as cricket, rugby league and speedway
Graeme Swann and James Wade also paid tribute to Gwynne
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Jeff Stelling has paid tribute to legendary darts commentator John Gwynne, who has died aged 77 following a battle with cancer.
Gwynne, an iconic voice in the sport, did 20 PDC World Championships before retiring in 2013.
Inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2014, Gwynne also worked on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports alongside Stelling, commenting on other sports such as rugby league, cricket and speedway.
PDC chief executive Matt Porter described Gwynne as “a respected and popular figure in the darts world and in the sports media” and said it was “a sad time for all who knew him”.
“As part of the original Sky Sports commentary team alongside Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning, John’s signature voice was part of the soundtrack of the early days of the PDC, forming an iconic trio,” Porter told Sky Sports.
“John was extremely passionate about the sport of darts and has made a significant contribution at all levels throughout his career. We extend our condolences and condolences to John’s family and friends.”
Legendary darts commentator John Gwynne has died aged 77 after battling cancer
Gwynne (right) was a respected figure within the sport, playing darts as well as cricket and rugby league
Stelling was one of the other high-profile figures to pay tribute to Gwynne. “One of the biggest voices in broadcasting has been silenced with the passing of my wonderful friend and colleague John Gwynne,” Stelling tweeted.
“Whether at the Etihad or Spotland, he made every game special with his gravitas, humor and passion. Football Saturday will never be the same again.’
Darts legend Bobby George said, ‘RIP John Gwynne. A very sad day. We had a little laugh mate. Deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends.’
James Wade, a player currently on the PDC circuit, added: ‘Very sad news this morning to hear of the passing of John Gwynne, such a gentleman. We send all our thoughts to his family and friends. Love James and [wife] Sammy.’
It’s not just darters who have reacted to the sad news. “So sad to hear about the passing of John Gwynne, who growing up was a giant of a TV voice and a genuinely nice man,” said former cricketer Graeme Swann.
‘An encyclopedic knowledge of all sports and a true love of cricket. The world is much worse off without him. RIP Gwynnie.’
Gwynne’s son Andrew is the Labor MP for Denton & Reddish and confirmed his father’s passing on social media.
John Gwynne’s son Andrew confirmed the news in a social media post Saturday morning
“It is with deep sadness that I have to report that my beautiful father passed away at 8:05 am this morning. His 18-month battle with cancer is now finally over,” he said.
‘He died peacefully in his long sleep, and without pain or suffering, and surrounded by the love of his son and daughter-in-law in our home in St Anne’s Road, Denton.
“I would like to thank Tameside Hospital, The Christie, Willow Wood Hospice, the Macmillan Nurses and the Tameside District Nurses for their loving care and support for my father and our family on this latest journey.
“But I also can’t thank Allison enough for the way she’s been so beautiful and patient in taking care of him at our home over the past two months. We now ask for your prayers and comfort as we mourn our deep loss. Thank you.’