Tributes as former World Of Sport presenter Dickie Davies dies aged 94
Tributes have been paid to former World Of Sport presenter Dickie Davies, who has died at the age of 94.
Davies was best known for anchoring the ITV sports show from 1968 until it came to an end in 1985. The show, a mix of live sport including racing, wrestling and football results, competed with the BBC’s Grandstand.
He also covered the Seoul Olympics for ITV in 1988 before leaving to join Eurosport.
The news of Davies’ death was announced on behalf of his family by his former colleague Jim Rosenthal, who wrote on Twitter: “With huge sadness we announce Dickie Davies passed away this morning.
“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.
“Would appreciate some privacy as we mourn and celebrate his life. Dickie was a wonderful friend and colleague... RIP DD.”
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys paid tribute to Davies on Twitter, writing: “Dickie Davies. A legend. It’s the end of that era. A kind man and brilliant broadcaster. RIP Dickie.”
ITV sports broadcaster Mark Pougatch tweeted: “Ach, Dickie Davies. The rest of us walk in the footsteps of giants. RIP.”
Gabby Logan called Davies “one of the very best”, while Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling tweeted: “Just learned of the death of the wonderful Dickie Davies who I grew up watching on World of Sport on ITV. One of my inspirations along with Des Lyman. A sports broadcasting legend.”
Davies, originally from Cheshire, began his TV career as an announcer on Southern Television in 1960, having previously spent seven years as a purser for the cruise company Cunard Line.
He moved to ITV’s new show World of Sport and was initially an understudy to Eamonn Andrews before becoming the main host in 1968.
Every Saturday saw him at the helm of a five-hour TV marathon, anchoring the coverage of a wide variety of sports including many minority events not previously seen on TV screens.
It was an era long before sports broadcasting rights became the subject of billion pound battles between round-the-clock sports channels. Every May, Davies would lead ITV’s all-day build-up to the FA Cup final, which at that time was one of the few football matches broadcast live during the course of the season.
