Darts legend Bobby George who broke his back celebrating on live TV reveals he keeps amputated toe in a bottle of vodka
King of Bling faced agonising ordeal and says he was fortunate not to be paralysed
THE TOE MUST GO ON
THE TOE MUST GO ON Darts legend Bobby George who broke his back celebrating on live TV reveals he keeps amputated toe in a bottle of vodka
BOBBY GEORGE has revealed he keeps one of his four amputated TOES in a bottle of vodka behind the bar of his 18-bedroom Essex mansion.
Eccentric ex-darts star George — one of the sport's most recognisable figures — had four operations to remove four toes, two on each foot, due to a painful genetic deformity.
Advertisement
6
Bobby George was one of sport's most flamboyant stars
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
6
The King of Bling faced extraordinary pain from his toes
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Three of them had to be discarded but he was allowed to keep the first one chopped off 26 years ago — and stores it at his self-built home George Hall.
Writing in a new book — Still Here! The King of Bling — George, 79, declared: 'Nobody believes me, or at least they don't, until they see me without my socks on.
'Or if they come to my bar in George Hall and see the evidence for themselves.
'There's some sort of gene in my body that has caused the toes to pop out of their socket and cross over.
Advertisement
'It got so bad that I couldn't get my shoes on.
'I couldn't walk without checking my balance each step.
'It was so painful on some days that if I'd had a sharp enough knife I would have chopped them off myself.
'There was nothing that the medical profession could do, so it became 'Operation Toot-Toot-Tootsie Bye-Bye'.
Advertisement
6
Geroge's new book details an amazing journey in life and darts
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
'The first one was cut off in 1999 and it was actually a great relief when it was all over.
'I knew the surgeon, a bloke called Phil, and he talked me through the procedure — something called a tulip operation.
Advertisement
Luke Littler narrowly avoids being hit by object thrown onto O2 stage during Premier League Darts finals
'It's done under local anaesthetic, so I was able to watch him cut it off.
'It didn't hurt and once the deed was done, Phil showed it to me and I asked him if I could keep it.
'Phil presented it to me in a little jar but said that he couldn't give me the proper stuff — formaldehyde, maybe? — as it was poisonous.
'But if I used vodka instead, that would preserve it beautifully. So I took it home and popped it in some vodka and now it has a permanent home behind the bar in George Hall.
Advertisement
'Whenever anyone comes to the house for a drink, I whip it out and ask them if they want a cocktail or a cocktoe?
'It's also meant that, over the years, if I've been away from home for any length of time and my wife, Marie, is missing me, she can always suck my toe!
'Removing one tootsie wasn't enough, though, and eventually the procedure had to be repeated another three times, so I'm missing two toes on each foot.
"Unfortunately, none of the other surgeons have been as obliging as Phil and they wouldn't let me take the sawn-off digits away with me.
Advertisement
'Losing four toes hasn't been as bad as it may sound, although when I go barefoot I do look like an alien.'
6
He spent much of a £16k runners-up cheque on surgery
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
6
Darts has few more colourful characters than George
Credit: Times Media Ltd
George — who lost in two BDO World Darts Championship finals, in 1980 and 1994 — says he pops '16 tablets a day for pain relief'.
Advertisement
That is because he has 'shocking arthritis in my hips' and BROKE his back on the famous Lakeside stage 31 years ago.
During a 4-2 win over Kevin Kenny in the quarters at Frimley Green, George leapt in the air in celebration and 'felt a sharp pain in my back'.
He was in 'constant excruciating pain for the remainder of the match', which was broadcast on TV.
Following X-rays the next day, a doctor told him: 'You can't play darts.
Advertisement
'You shouldn't even be able to walk. You've broken your back, Mr George.'
The King of Bling — who used to come on to stage holding a candelabra to the Queen song 'We Are the Champions' — reached the final where he was thumped 6-0 by Canadian John Part.
George said: 'I was fortunate not to have been paralysed but I still required immediate surgery, which my £16,000 runners-up cheque helped to finance.
'Eight titanium screws, each around two inches long, were inserted into the base of my spine to help me on the long road to recovery.'
Advertisement
STILL HERE! The King of Bling, published by Pitch Publishing, is out today.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island Sophie Lee's TV star ex ‘gutted and blindsided' she's signed up for show as they have ‘unfinished business'
LOVE Island beauty Sophie Lee's TV star ex has been left devastated after she was revealed in the villa line-up. The 29-year-old motivational speaker will soon make a splash in Majorca and it's all proving tough to take for Ouzy See, who took part in series 10 of the show. 4 Sophie Lee's casting on Love Island has taken her ex by surprise Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Ouzy See believes they still have 'unfinished business' Credit: ITV A friend of the semi-pro footballer told us: 'Ouzy was really shocked and blindsided to see Sophie had signed up for Love Island. "He was gutted because he feels like there is still unfinished business between the two of them. "While they aren't dating anymore, he thinks she's an amazing girl and they ended on good terms. "It's weird for anyone though knowing your ex is about to go on Love Island and could fall for someone else on TV.' Ouzy, 30, was totally smitten with Sophie back in 2023 at the start of their fledgling romance. He accompanied her to the Beauty Awards where she won Beauty Influencer of the Year. Ouzy told us on the red carpet: "It's going really well," prompting Sophie to chime in: "He's really kind, that's my favourite thing about him." The former villa hunk then gushed: "She's inspirational. We've been dating for a few months." When asked if they were in love, they giggled and replied: "We'll see." Sophie overcame a near-death experience in her early 20s. Ten Years of Love Island The dancer, from Manchester, was performing with flaming props when the freak accident on stage in Chicago left her fighting for her life. The air-con in the venue was too powerful and blasted a fireball back at her, causing her face and chest to 'go up in flames'. Sophie told Fabulous Digital: 'The air-con was too strong so when I blew the fire out it blew back to me. It set me on fire. I just remember being in so much pain, I blacked out for a little bit. It's crazy. 'It happened in front of everyone and I had to get on with it as professionally and quickly as I could. As soon as I got into the ambulance, I was in bits." Sophie spent a month in intensive care in America by herself, while receiving treatment for the burns. 4 The former couple at the 2023 Beauty Awards Credit: Instagram 4 Sophie is a dancer from Manchester Credit: instagram/sophirelee
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star sensationally axed after revelation he was arrested over machete attack on dad just months ago
LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman was sensationally axed from the show last night after The Sun alerted bosses that he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack. ITV chiefs sent him home from Majorca, plunging the show into chaos ahead of Monday's launch. 6 Kyle Ashman has been axed from Love Island after he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Ashman was sent home from Majorca by ITV chiefs Credit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr 6 His exit from the show throws it into chaos ahead of Monday's launch of the new series Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February. Ashman, 23, was one of two quizzed but released with no further action. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed. Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. A source said: 'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse. 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.' It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack. Last night he insisted he was not a violent person. Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28. Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt. They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleed. Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries. This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse A source Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside. Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid. Our source continued: 'This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was. People wrapped a towel around the man's injury while waiting for emergency services. "Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence. 'People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community. 'They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.' 6 Ashman was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed Credit: Instagram 6 The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28 Credit: Roland Leon 6 In February masked thugs burst into the wake and hacked at a dad-of-two with a blade in front of terrified mourners including children Credit: Roland Leon Troubled history of hit show By Jonathan Kanengoni LOVE Island has been hit by a string controversies since it first aired in 2015. Malia Arkian lasted just three hours before she was marched out by security in its second year after pushing co-contestant Kady McDermott for spilling wine on her. In 2019, Sherif Lanre was booted off after nine days. He had made a vile joke after accidentally kicking fan fave Molly-Mae Hague in the crotch during a play fight. Ollie Williams left the villa after three days in 2020 when he realised he still had feelings for his ex. But his exit came amid mounting pressure on bosses to remove him after pictures of him allegedly trophy hunting came to light. Salesman Haris Namani was dumped in 2023 after The Sun revealed footage of him in a street brawl. The show has faced complaints over bullying — and failures to look after islanders' mental health when the cameras stop rolling. Sophie Gradon took her own life, aged 32, two years after she appeared on Love Island 2016. And Mike Thalassitis's suicide in 2019, at 26, prompted calls for better after-care by reality shows. After the tragedy, Love Island said it would be offering further support and 'bespoke training' to contestants in future. In 2022, it got 3,600 Ofcom complaints in just one week over alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants. And earlier this year, the watchdog received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar's 'bullying' of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument. Staffordshire Police said yesterday: 'We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons. 'Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged. 'A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment. 'Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened. ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks Show source 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.' Suspects released A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month. Ashman said last night: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' A show source said: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Contestants typically sign up months in advance of the show, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The launch episode of last year's summer series was watched by 3.3million fans. ITV yesterday officially announced the new line-up and released images of contestants, with Ashman showing off his six-pack. Asked about the type of Love Islander he would like to couple up with, Ashman said: 'Someone who is fun, confident and just themselves.' Asked if host Maya Jama would 'hire or fire you based on your flirting skills alone', he replied: 'I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.'
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
Love Island 2025 line-up confirmed: Motivational speaker, footballer's son among singles
Love Island 2025 line-up confirmed: Motivational speaker, footballer's son among singles The line-up for the new series of Love Island has been confirmed - and it's safe to say that fans are in for a treat with a fresh set of singletons on the way Maya Jama is returning as the host of this series of Love Island (Image: REX/Shutterstock ) Love Island is just days away from gracing our screens, and this year's line-up has been officially unveiled, promising a real treat for fans. A new batch of hopeful singletons will enter the famed ITV2 villa on Monday June 9, eager to find romance in the show's twelfth season. Maya Jama returns as the host, ready to steer the ship through what promises to be a season filled with drama. This year, viewers can anticipate an explosive series, with Maya teasing "more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups, and more twists". This marks Maya's fourth year presenting Love Island, following Laura Whitmore's tenure. Addressing speculation about her future on the show, she recently assured her Instagram followers that she's here to stay while sharing the promo for the upcoming series. She playfully hinted: "To the hottie this may concern, as per the last 11 series we're staying loyal to the entertainment and levelling up the twists. "The stakeholders are aligned, the Islanders will be laying it on Factor 50, and we're on track to hit our KPI on drama. It's time to crack on and deliver serious results. Let's circle back soon. Warmest wishes.", reports the Mirror. Iain Stirling is set to return as well, lending his voice as the show's beloved narrator. If past seasons are anything to go by, the twelfth instalment is expected to entertain us for eight weeks. UK viewers can tune into ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm on Monday, June 9, while Scottish fans can watch on STV2 and the STV Player. The series is celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking its 10th anniversary on air. Article continues below The wait is over for fans eager to discover who will be the first to step into the villa next week, as the line-up has now been unveiled. Among them are.... Sophie Sophie, a 29 year-old from Manchester, is on the lookout for: "Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs." The motivational speaker and author, when asked what she would be CEO of if possible, answered: "I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self." Dejon 26 year-old personal trainer Dejon is hoping to find: "Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy." Dejon isn't new to the limelight, with his father Gifton Noel-Williams being a former professional footballer. He shared: "My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice." Meg Meg, a payroll specialist from Southampton, is clear about her ideal match for the Love Island villa. She shared: "I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with." The 25 year-old didn't mince words when comparing her current romantic situation to a failing business, saying she would be bankrupt. However, she's optimistic about turning things around, adding: "But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits!. ". Tommy Tommy, a landscape gardener, is on the lookout for a girlfriend who doesn't take life too seriously. The 22 year-old from Hertfordshire explained: "A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though." He humorously remarked that if he were the CEO of a company, it would be one that's "taking hours to do my hair." Alima Alima, from Scotland, is keen to find her perfect partner in the villa, describing her ideal man as: "A tall man with a handsome face. You know, when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it." Alima is confident that her flirting prowess would impress host Maya Jama. She remarked: "I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt." She said: "I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. "But they never guess correctly, so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea-Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway." Ben Ben, from Gloucester, is eager to trade his private hire taxi for a shot at romance on the island. The 23 year-old is on the lookout for someone he considers "sexy." He described his ideal Islander: "Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. "And a cute smile too, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day." Yet, Ben admits that if his romantic life were a business, it would have failed. "I'd have been out of business a long time ago; that's exactly why I'm here." Helena Helena from Love Island series 12 (Image: ITV ) Helena, a 29 year-old cabin crew member, has a particular type in mind. She stated: "Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed." Kyle Kyle from Love Island series 12 (Image: ITV ) Kyle, a 23 year- old water operative from Stafford, has a straightforward approach to dating, looking for "Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves." Megan Megan from Love Island series 12 (Image: ITV ) Megan, a 24 year-old musical theatre performer and energy broker, is already a familiar face in Brighton due to her social media presence. She shared an anecdote about her online fame: "Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto." When discussing her ideal match, the Dublin native said: "Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really." Blu Blu from Love Island series 12 (Image: ITV ) Blu, a 26 year-old construction project manager from London, values family above all and seeks a girlfriend who shares this sentiment. He described his perfect partner as: "Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way." Blu also joked about his flirting prowess in relation to Maya: "She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl," and added a flirtatious edge by mentioning: "The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting!". Shakira Shakira from Love Island series 12 (Image: ITV ) Marketing professional Shakira from Burnley is on the lookout for a gym enthusiast as her ideal partner. She described her perfect match: "Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny." Despite her career seemingly aiding her romantic pursuits, she humorously remarked that while her love life might be "Booming... But they're all frogs. It's a busy love life, but I've not found 'the husband'. I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring." Harry Harry, a semi-professional footballer, model and gold trader from Guildford, has a more laid-back approach to finding a partner. He seeks "The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me." adding, "I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl." Article continues below Harry, despite his sporting endeavours, boasts an intriguing connection to a top-flight football talent. He disclosed: "I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close-ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing."
