Former World Of Sport presenter Dickie Davies has died on the age of 94.
Davies is finest recognized for fronting the ITV present between 1968 and its finish in 1985.
Davies’ former colleague Jim Rosenthal wrote on Twitter: “With huge sadness we announce Dickie Davies passed away this morning.
“So pleased with his 20 years of World Of Sport, three Olympic Games and a superb profession on the telly.
“He is survived by a loving wife, two adoring sons, four grandkids and two beloved dogs.”
He described Davies as “a wonderful friend and colleague”.
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys added his tribute, writing on Twitter: “Dickie Davies.
“A legend.
“It’s the top of that period.
“A kind man and brilliant broadcaster.
“RIP Dickie.”
Davies was born Richard Davies in Wallasey in 1928 however modified his identify to Dickie in 1968 on the behest of his good friend, footballer and pundit Jimmy Hill.
Before he was on TV screens, he accomplished nationwide service with the RAF and labored as head purser on the ocean liner Queen Mary.
In 1961, he turned an announcer for Southern Television after which understudy to Eamonn Andrews in 1965 when ITV launched its rival to Grandstand, initially often known as Wide World Of Sport.
When Andrews departed three years later, Davies took over the primary presenting position.
After ITV pulled the plug on the programme in 1985, Davies fronted a lot of different sports activities for the channel – together with the 1988 Seoul Olympics and a few early Mike Tyson fights – earlier than leaving in 1989 to current snooker on the then Sky-owned Eurosport.
He a while as sports activities editor on Classic FM however had a stroke in 1995 which quickly left him unable to talk.
After a near-full restoration he returned to the display screen for a lot of specials, together with ITV’s 50-year World Of Sport anniversary in 2005.
Source: information.sky.com”