Legendary BBC commentator Ray French known as the ‘Voice of Rugby League' dies aged 85 as tributes pour in
ICON GONE Legendary BBC commentator Ray French known as the 'Voice of Rugby League' dies aged 85 as tributes pour in
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
LEGENDARY rugby commentator Ray French has died at the age of 85, the BBC confirmed today.
The beloved broadcaster, who suffered from dementia in recent years, became known as the Voice of Rugby League after 30 years on the Beeb.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
Ray French was one of the Beeb's top broadcasters
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
4
The star had been battling with dementia in recent years
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Born in St Helens in 1939, Ray played for the England team in the Rugby Union before league.
He played four of England's matches in the 1962 Five Nations Championships.
He earned Great Britain four caps over his career before, as well as winning five finals in six seasons with the Saints as a back-rower.
In 1968, he featured in two Test wins against France before playing for his country at the World Cup against Australia and New Zealand, that same year.
Read More on UK News
LAST RITES Ozzy Osbourne's book will be published 'uncensored' after rock legend's death
However, he is most known for being one of the most famous rugby broadcasters in the country.
Ray had become the voice of the Rugby League, eventually earning him an MBE in 2011.
He had succeeded broadcasting icon Edding Waring in the role, when he took on the job in 1981 - remaining on the air for almost 40 years.
In recent years, the star had sadly been battling with dementia before he passed away at the age of 85.
The BBC will be airing a re-run of a 2016 episode of Rugby League Heroes which features Ray.
The special show will be broadcast on Radio Humberside and BBC Sounds in tribute to the star.
Inside Scotland and Lions hero's stunning house that boasts giant basement room with bar for FIFTY people to party
Tributes to the star flooded in, after RL Cares announced the news on X.
The post read: "Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international & for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today.
"Ray, who has been suffering from dementia in recent years, was 85. Thoughts are with Ray's family."
Jonathan Davies, the former Widnes and Great Britain star, also joined in on paying tribute to Ray.
He wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster.
"I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully.
"Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man.I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game.
"RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends."
4
Ray played Rugby for End and won several prestigious accolades
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Ray's successor, Dave Woods, has also taken to X to share his heartwarming experiences with the star.
Dave said: 'So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague.
"He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism.
"Just a wonderful, kind and humble man.
"You always wanted to be in his company.'
Jonathan Davies, Ray's famous co-commentator, described his friend as doing "great work".
He said: 'Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man.
"I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game.'
Tributes have continued to pour in, with Barrie McDermott - the longtime Sky Sports pundit - saying that Ray was a "genuine legend".
Barrie wrote: "Really sad news.
"A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many.
"A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone.
"Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time.
"Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray."
4
Ray French was known as the Voice of the Rugby League
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Euro 2025 final viewing figures confirm England's win was most-watched moment of year
England's Euro 2025 final victory over Spain was watched by combined a peak TV audience of 16.2 million across the BBC and ITV, making the Lionesses' win the most-watched moment of 2025. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against Spain as Hannah Hampton made two saves to secure back-to-back European titles for England. The final attracted an average TV audience of 12m across both BBC and ITV. The BBC said a peak audience of 12.2m watched England make history across its platforms, including a peak of 11.6m on BBC One - representing a 59 per cent share of all TV audiences on Sunday evening. It was the most-watched moment on TV this year, with ITV recording a peak of 4.2m viewers during the final. ITV attracted an audience of 10.2m for England's semi-final win over Italy, which was the channel's biggest audience for 2025. There was a peak audience of 17.4m when the Lionesses won the previous Euros in 2022, which saw England win a major men's or women's tournament for the first time since 1966 by beating Germany in extra time at Wembley. England head coach Sarina Wiegman called for further investment in women's football to ensure the country remains a "trailblazer" as her side celebrated their Euro 2025 success at a "very, very special" reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday evening. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. England goalkeeper Hampton also paid an emotional tribute to her late grandfather after revealing he passed away two days before the start of Euro 2025. Hampton was the hero of England's shootout victory over Spain in Sunday's final as she saved two penalties to set up Kelly to seal glory for the Lionesses. The 24-year-old started for England at the first time at a major tournament after replacing Mary Earps between the posts but was a revelation as the Lionesses defended their title. Hampton wore 'Grandma' printed on her England shirt during the tournament and she said he had been one of her biggest supporters on her journey. Hampton posted on Instagram: "Dear Grandpa. Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn't feel real. 'I kept thinking when I'd call nannie I'd hear your voice again - one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you'd make that somehow said everything without saying much at all. "You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend rushed to hospital after 'deadly' attack by familiar face
EastEnders spoilers confirm horrifying scenes for one Walford legend, while the BBC soap also airs big decisions, worrying actions and two enemies appear to team up New spoilers for EastEnders have teased worrying twists and turns ahead for multiple characters. There's a violent showdown that leads to one favourite being rushed to hospital. One vile character is soon targeting others with his grim behaviour, while another teen finds himself in big trouble. There's a big decision to be made for one resident of Walford, while one married character is warned against his flirty behaviour with another man. One character, soon returning to the show, makes contact with their family, and two love rivals look set to unite. Let's kick things off with more drama ahead for troubled teen Oscar Branning, and it leaves one Albert Square legend in serious danger. Patrick Trueman fends off Oscar who has broken into his home, unaware he is the culprit. Oscar is being threatened by thug Mike who he grassed up to the police. As things escalate, Mike returns and demands £5,000 in return for the Branning family's safety. Oscar initially tries to lure Ian Beale into a business deal to find the extra cash, but Ian refuses. Lauren Branning soon finds out what her brother has been up to, leaving Oscar seeking other means of getting the funds. Oscar breaks into Patrick's home to steal his bet winnings. He's caught in the act though, leading to Oscar abruptly pushing Patrick to flee. But Patrick ends up falling to the ground, leaving him badly injured. Patrick is left unconscious as the horror unfolds, with his partner Yolande Trueman unaware of what's happening amid her row with her fiancé. Having called off the wedding over his betting, will she regret this when she realises Patrick is in a bad way? With Patrick motionless on the ground, Oscar decides to leave him only for Howie Danes to return home and realise what's happened. Oscar makes a run for it and Howie sees him, while he doesn't see his face so is unaware it's Oscar. Yolande is inconsolable as she heads home to the horror unfolding, and soon Patrick is rushed to hospital. His family wait for news and the police arrive to take a witness statement from Howie, but will he be okay? Lauren meanwhile is suspicious of Oscar's behaviour, and his sudden concern for Patrick. He tries to flee Walford only for her to stop him in his tracks, confronting him with the stolen money. He begs his sister to let him flee as she riles at him for his actions. But will Oscar be exposed? Elsewhere, Avani Nandra-Hart is still torn over her pregnancy amid her grandmother Suki Panesar's plan to help raise the baby with her wife Eve Unwin. Eve is still unconvinced by the plan next week and is desperate to hear from Avani what she wants, without Suki's involvement. Eve supports the teenager at her 12-week scan, and after she and Avani lie to the family when Priya finds a receipt from the hospital in Avani's jacket - but will the pregnancy be rumbled? The baby's father Joel Marshall, who has no idea about the baby, is back to his vile ways next week. Ross Marshall takes son Joel and his pal Tommy Moon to work at the timber yard but soon grows concerned for the boys when he overhears some of the language from other workers on the site. That's the least of his issues though, as Ross pales to receive a call from Joel's mum. She informs him that she is getting remarried, and Ross faces having to tell Joel. As Joel slips out to process the news, he's soon stealing drink from the pub with Tommy only to be caught. As Joel's stepmother Vicki Fowler and Tommy's parents Kat and Alfie rage at the boys for their behaviour, everyone is shocked by what Joel does next. Joel lashes out with derogatory language towards Kat leaving them all horrified, and soon he's being lectured by Ross and Vicki. A moment later on that sees Ross trying to bond with his troubled son leaves him sickened though, as he makes a worrying discovery on Joel's laptop and destroys the device. He's cold towards his son in the fallout, and Vicki is later shocked to discover the real reason why Ross broke his laptop. She tells Ross to take action against Joel before his behaviour gets out of hand. It leads to Ross sharing a heart-to-heart with Harvey in the café and the former is given food for thought. When Joel apologises to Kat, she allows him to hang out with Tommy. But it's not long before Joel is showing his true colours again when Vicki and Stacey Slater bond over parenting and men. Finally next week, Elaine Peacock is struggling without the pub and after a heart-to-heart with Yolande, she and love rival Cindy Beale join forces at The Albert. Cindy later offers Elaine the job of co-manager, so could there be a thawing between them? Callum Highway's flirting with Johnny Carter leads to him being warned by Jay brown, amid a call from his imprisoned husband Ben Mitchell. With Ben set to return to the show, will it all end in tears? Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
ITV News
5 hours ago
- ITV News
Lionesses arrive home to celebrate historic back-to-back Euros wins
England players and fans were celebrating until late into Sunday night after their historic victory over Spain before returning home and attending a reception at Downing Street on Monday. ITV News Sports Editor has the latest England's women's team have returned home to excited fans after an historic Euros win in Switzerland. They beat Spain 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the final, with Chloe Kelly netting the winning shot, to land back-to-back Euros titles. Fans waited for hours outside Southend Airport for the team to arrive and cheered loudly when they touched down. The women then attended a reception at Downing Street with the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The team will celebrate with the public during an open-top bus procession in central London on Tuesday. Homecoming celebrations start at 12.10pm and will travel along The Mall. "We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the Homecoming celebrations," the FA said in a statement on X. There will then be a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace from 12.30, with the event set to wrap up around 1pm. Fans can attend for free, and it will be broadcast live on ITV, BBC and Sky. The reception at Downing Street was due to begin about 5PM but the event was pushed back after the Lionesses' plane from Switzerland was delayed. The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 Downing Street for the team's arrival just before 7PM. England manager Sarina Wiegman addressed the reception, apologising for giving England supporters "lots of heart attacks". "You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now," she said. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary. "It's surreal what has happened last night." Wiegman said while steps had been taken to improve access to women's football in England, the country was "not there yet" and needed more investment. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the Lionesses had defended the title "with grit and with determination and skill". "You roared and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you," she told guests at the reception. "You've made us all so, so proud. "Your performances have inspired a nation and lifted women's football to new heights." Players, coaches and Football Association representatives are in attendance, along with Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. There have been calls for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph, but the government suggested the team is too successful for that to be feasible. "If we had a bank holiday every time Lionesses won we'd never go to work," a government spokesperson said on Monday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously backed calls for a bank holiday when the team reached the finals of the World Cup in 2023. He said the Lionesses had 'once again captured the hearts of the nation' and were 'an inspiration for young people across the country'. To celebrate the win, the Royal Mail will mark the occasion with a congratulatory postmark – which will be applied to stamped mail across the UK from Monday to Friday. One unofficial team member who joined in with the celebrations was Reggie the Cavapoo, who belongs to the owner of Cheals on Wheels, a mobile barista bar that accompanied the Lionesses in Switzerland. The company wrote on Instagram that Reggie had 'gone international' and was 'soaking up all the love (and sneaky treats) from the team' in Switzerland.
