Voice of darts Sid Waddell dies aged 72

Waddell had suffered from bowel cancer since last September and the news of his death was confirmed yesterday.

Waddell, who lived in Harrogate, was a central part of Sky Sports’ coverage of PDC darts events since 1994 and was known for his colourful and excitable commentary style, with his best-known lines including “There’s only one word for it – ‘magic darts’.”

At Yorkshire Television Waddell produced the news programme Calendar and put darts on screen for the first time with the creation of The Indoor League.

Yesterday, staff at ITV Yorkshire’s Calendar paid tribute. Margaret Emsley, head of news, said: “His enthusiasm was infectious, his abilities outstanding and far-reaching, and he will be greatly missed.”