Legendary darts commentator John Gwynne has passed away aged 77 following a battle with cancer.
As part of Sky Sports' coverage, Gwynne was one of the most iconic voices in the sport. He was part of the broadcaster's commentary team for more than two decades before retiring in 2013 - covering a remarkable 20 World Championships - and was inducted into the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC) Hall of Fame in 2014.
Gwynne is also fondly remembered for working on Sky Sports' flagship football results show Soccer Saturday, appearing alongside Jeff Stelling. The commentator covered various sports during his time at the broadcaster - including cricket, rugby league and speedway.
"John was a respected and popular figure in darts and across sports media and this is a sad time for all who knew him," PDC chief executive Matt Porter told Sky Sports. "As part of the original Sky Sports commentary team alongside Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning, John's distinctive voice was part of the soundtrack to the PDC's formative years and they formed an iconic trio.
"John was hugely passionate about the sport of darts and made a great contribution at all levels during his career. We send our condolences and sympathies to John's family and friends."
Gwynne's son Andrew is the Labour MP for Denton & Reddish. The politician has paid tribute to his father in a moving social media post. He's descried the darts legend as a "son, brother, husband, dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle, cousin and a dear friend".
Andrew wrote: "It is with deep sadness that I have to post that my beautiful father passed away this morning at 8.05 am. His 18 month-long battle with cancer is now finally over. He died peacefully in his long sleep, and without any pain or suffering, and surrounded by the love of his son and daughter-in-law at our home in St Anne’s Road, Denton.
"I’d 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 dad and our family on this final journey.
"But I also cannot thank Allison ever enough for the way she so beautifully and patiently cared for him at our home for the past two and a bit months. We now ask for your prayers and comfort while we mourn our deep loss. Thank you."
Darts legends have paid tribute to Gwynne. Two-time World Championship runner-up Bobby George tweeted: "RIP John Gwynne. A very sad day. We had some laughs mate. Deepest sympathy go out to your family and friends."
Current darts star James Wade, who's won 11 PDC majors, added: "Very sad news this morning to hear the passing of John Gwynne such a gentleman. Sending all our thoughts to his family and friends. Love James and [wife] Sammi."
Tributes are expected to pour in for Gwynne throughout Saturday. "One of the greatest broadcasting voices has been silenced with the passing of my wonderful friend and colleague John Gwynne," tweeted Stelling. "Whether at the Etihad or Spotland, he made every game special with his gravitas, humour and passion. Soccer Saturday will never be the quite the same."
Cricket legend Graeme Swann added: "So sad at the passing of John Gwynne, who was a giant of a voice on TV as a I grew up, and a genuinely lovely man. An encyclopaedic knowledge of all sports and a true love for cricket. The world is a far worse off place without him. RIP Gwynnie."
Darts presenter Dave Clark wrote: "So sad to hear that my friend and colleague John Gwynne has left us. John had one of the great commentary voices and always found the right words. His colleagues at Sky Sports darts and Soccer Saturday will miss him. Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning will be waiting with a pint Gwynnie."
