Darts legend Sid Waddell has cancer

Mr Waddell, 71, made his name in the 1970s with Yorkshire Television and has been a central part of Sky Sports’ coverage of PDC darts events since 1994, where he is known for his colourful and excitable commentary style.

A statement from his manager Dick Allix read: “Following recent tests, Sid has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. He is now undergoing treatment and during this period will be focusing on his health.

“I would ask that everyone respects his privacy at this time.”

Dave Clark, Waddell’s colleague at Sky Sports, added: “Everyone at Sky Sports wishes Sid all the very best. We’ll miss him and look forward to having him back with us whenever he is ready.”

Cambridge-educated Waddell’s commentaries have become synonymous with the sport, with his best-known lines including “There’s only one word for it - ‘magic darts’”.

He also noted, while watching Eric Bristow become world champion: “When Alexander of Macedonia was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer... Bristow’s only 27.”

Outside of his commentary work, he has had 11 books published and wrote the sport-based BBC children’s programmes Jossy’s Giants and Sloggers, receiving a Screenwriter’s Guild nomination for best scriptwriter for the latter.

He created the YTV children’s series The Flaxton Boys and produced many editions of the news programme Calendar.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: “Sid is a hugely popular character throughout the sport of darts and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the PDC, our players and fans in wishing him a speedy and successful recovery.

“Our thoughts will be with him and his family as he begins his treatment.”