Billing himself as The King of Darts, Bobby would make his way to the stage bedecked in jewellery, wearing a crown and cloak and holding a candelabra to the sound of Queen’s We Are the Champions. He wasn’t all bluster, however – he had the skill to back up his flamboyance, winning a multitude of tournaments across the world, including the prestigious News of the World Championship in 1979 and 1986, the Butlins Grand Masters in 1979 and 1980, and the Nations Cup in 1980, as part of an England triples team with Tony Brown and John Lowe.
In addition, Bobby has reached the final of the World Professional Darts Championship twice. His first final in 1980 was his first appearance in a World Darts Championship but he lost at the last hurdle to Eric Bristow, before making it to the last two in 1994, despite breaking his back when celebrating winning a set during his quarter final match against Kevin Kenny.
Since 1998, he has also worked for the BBC as a co-presenter and promoter of the sport during their coverage of various darts tournaments. He has also made several other television appearances, not all relating to darts. Bobby’s colourful character has also enabled him to also be successful on the darts exhibition circuit. He became the game’s first full-time exhibition player when he stopped playing regular tournaments in 1986 – not bad for someone who first picked up a dart aged 30!
It is these traits that also help to make Bobby a successful and popular after-dinner speaker; his stories are entertaining and his confidence and flamboyant character make for incredibly memorable appearances.
