Dickie Davies, a legendary sportscaster, has died at the age of 89.
Davies is best known for hosting the popular ITV show World of Sport for 17 years until its cancellation in 1985.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in on social media.
“With huge sadness we announce Dickie Davies passed away this morning,” broadcast icon and fellow ex-World of Sport presenter Jim Rosenthal tweeted on Sunday.
“So proud of his 20 years of World of Sport, 3 Olympic Games and a brilliant career on the telly.
“He is survived by a loving wife, two adoring sons, four grandkids and two beloved dogs.”
Many fans sent their best wishes to Davies’ family as they reflected on his incredible career and impact.
One said: “Terribly sad news today to hear of Dickie Davies’ passing. Consummate pro who was a massive part of my sporting education.”
Another wrote: “Rest in peace Dickie Davies. One of the very greatest presenters and a Saturday afternoon staple for all sports lovers.”
A third added: “Goodnight and God bless Dickie Davies, a genuine TV hero to millions, RIP Sir.”
Davies, who was born in Cheshire, served in the RAF before becoming a purser on the RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth ships.
His broadcasting career began at Southern Television, where ITV Sport colleague Jimmy Hill advised him to go by Dickie Davies rather than his full name Richard Davies.
He began as Eamonn Andrews’ understudy on the iconic World of Sport show in 1965 before taking over full-time in 1968 alongside his boxing, darts, and snooker coverage.
Davies worked for ITV during the 1988 Seoul Olympics but left the company a year later to join Eurosport.
He even broadcast Classic FM sports bulletins from his own home, but he was forced to leave the station after suffering a stroke in 1995.
It took a few years for the broadcasting legend to regain his speech completely, but he eventually returned to front Dickie Davies’ Sporting Heroes in the late 1990s.
