Dennis Taylor's divorce from first wife, BBC U-turn, Alex Higgins threat
Dennis Taylor remains a hugely popular figure in snooker circles (Image: Getty Images/Visual China Group)
The soothing voice of Dennis Taylor will again be gracing this weekend's World Snooker Championship final. The ex-Crucible champion, now 76, continues to be a beloved figure in the sport.
In addition to his victory over Steve Davis in the iconic 'Black Ball Final' of 1985, Taylor is famous for his distinctive upside-down glasses, which played a crucial role in that win. Four decades on from his crowning moment, Taylor continues to tour the country with Davis and fellow legend John Virgo, discussing the most memorable match in snooker history and his overall career.
Meanwhile, he continues to share his humour and insights from the BBC commentary box during Triple Crown events, including the current World Championship. Here's a rundown on Taylor, covering his career earnings, a BBC U-turn and his notorious encounter with fellow Northern Irishman Alex Higgins....
Taylor raked in around £1.5million in prize money during his professional career from 1972 to 2000. His 1985 world title netted him £60,000, equivalent to £183,000 in today's money, according to the Bank of England currency calculator.
This year's champion will pocket £500,000. Taylor also clinched the Masters in 1987, staging an impressive comeback to defeat Higgins and bag £51,000.
Taylor celebrates becoming world snooker champion (Image: Getty Images)
It's 40 years since Taylor lifted the famous trophy (Image: Getty Images)
Taylor's days in the commentary box looked numbered in 2022 when Virgo announced that the BBC planned to drop the pair, only for the corporation to have a change of heart after a public backlash from snooker fans. The pair were backed by veteran pro-turned-commentator Joe Perry, who has worked alongside both.
"What they know, doesn't come cheaply, that's years and years of experience," he told the Metro. "They might miss a few tricks with some shots that some boys play today but they do know their stuff and they're excellent at their job."
Taylor continues to commentate with John Virgo after a BBC U-turn (Image: Getty Images)
Lancashire-based Taylor has three children with first wife Patricia. The couple later divorced, with Taylor partly putting the marriage breakdown down to the demands on him after winning the world title. He remarried in 2001 to Louise, with the couple having a son and a daughter.
Taylor found had an, at times, volatile relationship with the game's notorious maverick, 'Hurricane' Higgins. Things took a dark turn during the 1990 World Cup when they represented Northern Ireland together, with Higgins threatening to have Taylor shot.
The flashpoint occurred when Higgins, after losing a frame, insisted on taking Taylor's turn, which was against the event's rules. A fuming Higgins confronted Taylor with the chilling words: "The next time you go back home I'm going to have you shot."
Alex Higgins and Taylor at the height of their rivalry (Image: Independent News)
This alarming confrontation was witnessed by reporters and quickly became a major story. Reflecting on the row and their overall rapport in 2004 with the Belfast Telegraph, as Higgins fought cancer before his death in 2010, Taylor said: "There was some nastiness between us then, I can't deny that.
"But I've got nothing but good feelings for Alex now - and I wish him all the best in his battle against cancer. The ill-feeling we once had has long gone."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
26 minutes ago
- The National
Celtic hero urges Hoops to sign Premier League striker
The 32-year-old is a free agent after leaving another of McAvennie's old clubs, West Ham, and has been mentioned as one the Hoops could potentially look at. He previously played under Rodgers at Liverpool and the Northern Irishman is believed to be keen on beefing up his centre forward options. McAvennie is a big fan and reckons Ings would finally be a replacement for Kyogo, who left in January. The pundit believes Adam Idah has a big future for Celts but isn't ready to play all of the time, while he prefers to see Daizen Maeda used wide. Read more: Speaking to on the Let Me Be Frank podcast, he said: "He would be a great signing for Celtic. We never replaced Kyogo. They haven't replaced him. "Adam Idah is learning. I think he is going to be a wonderful player. Not near the finished article yet. But he is a great player. Looks like an honest boy. "I think so (there is a future for Idah at Celtic). See if you sign someone like Danny Ings. Danny won't play every game, which will mean Adam will come in. "And I don't want to play Maeda through the middle. I think he is better on the wing, although he scores a lot of goals. I think he is better out there. He terrifies people. "Danny Ings would come in and play, even if he played an hour. Get Adam on, that's the way it's going to be."
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
British TV legend ditches showbiz after starring in iconic 90s BBC show
She starred in a hit BBC drama alongside future household names Andrew Lincoln and Jack Davenport, but these days, BAFTA-winning actress Daniela Nardini is a qualified and practising psychotherapist. The Scottish actress originally played ambitious lawyer Anna Forbes in the BBC Two series This Life, which first aired in 1996. Its story followed the fortunes of law graduates and housemates as they attempted to launch their careers in a London law firm. Anna starred opposite future Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln and Pirates of the Caribbean actor Jack Davenport, along with Amita Dhiri and Jason Hughes. The show received a second series in 1997, followed by a sequel TV movie in 2007 titled This Life +10. Daniela, 57, won great acclaim (and a Bafta!) for her role as Anna, but these days spends her time running her own CBT practice in Glasgow, Scotland. Prior to scoring her breakthrough role in This Life, Daniela appeared in three episodes of Scottish crime drama Taggart. She was on the verge of giving up acting when she was cast as Anna in This Life – a role for which she won the first of two BAFTAs. 'That character made such an impact. We hadn't really seen many young women like that portrayed on television. I don't think people of my generation have ever really let go of that,' she told the BBC in 2020. The second BAFTA followed in 2009, for her performance in the BBC Four drama New Town. She went on to appear in episodes of Vera, Waterloo Road, The Fades, and Bob Servant Independent, with her last credited acting role coming in 2019, with the short film Duck Daze. Taking a break from acting, she went on to become a practising artist while studying for her future career as a mental health professional. These days, Daniela's life is quite different – working as a qualified and practising psychotherapist at her own CBT practice. At £50 a session, her top specialities include Depression, Anxiety and Behavioural Issues, as well as other issues, such as Cancer, Divorce and Addiction. Her profile on Psychology Today begins: 'I have worked as an actress for over 35 years. 'This has been an invaluable education for me to study what it is to be human and how we can all suffer at times and feel misunderstood and lonely. 'I myself have struggled at times. My practice involves helping you gain insight, clarity and believe it or not humour at times. I don't shock easily so I won't judge.' These struggles include the death of her father in 2015, followed by a divorce and her cancer diagnosis in 2018. In 2020, she told The Daily Mail how she had endured 'the worst five years of her life,' adding: 'I went through a very dark period. Sometimes I wonder if it was all the emotional stuff I was going through that caused my cancer.' 'A couple of years down the road, I now feel as if I've emerged stronger and a better person, really. Anna would be proud.' While Daniela decided to 'take a break' from acting, her co-stars from the show are keeping their hands in. After starring as Jason Hughes, Warren Jones went on to star opposite John Nettles in Midsomer Murders for eight series before appearing in episodes of Death in Paradise and Marcella. Following This Life, Jack starred in the cult sitcom Coupling before heading to Hollywood for roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Kingsman: The Secret Service. More Trending Amita Dhiri, meanwhile, recently appeared as housekeeper Mrs Khanna in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. As This Life's most successful alumnus, Andrew went on to appear in the 2003 romcom Love Actually (contributing its most iconic scene) and as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead. Reflecting on his role in the Richard Curtis-directed romcom, Andrew said: 'I got to be this weird stalker guy. View More » 'My big scene in the doorway felt so easy. I just had to hold cards and be in love with Keira Knightley. And that was my own handwriting on the cards. Thank you for noticing.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'I'm the first trans man on a UK gay dating show – I feel validated' MORE: Doctor Who fans in disbelief over 'disrespect' of iconic star Jenna Coleman MORE: 'I had to snort pure glucose': Inside BBC's outstanding 80s crime drama
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Strictly's Jamie Bortwick issues apology for 'disgraceful' slur after BBC 'suspension'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has issued a profound apology after uttering an inappropriate term aimed at disabled people. The unfortunate slip occurred about six months ago when he was competing on Strictly Come Dancing. It's speculated that the soap star, known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders since 2006, may face a suspension from the series. Allegedly, the actor used the insensitive word while talking about the inhabitants of Blackpool. This town is famously associated with a popular episode of Strictly, which usually takes place in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The Manchester Evening News reported that the term, which is offensive to disabled individuals, was reportedly used in a video that Mr Borthwick shared with friends. Disability charity Scope and a politician from Blackpool have expressed their disappointment following the incident. Subsequently, Mr Borthwick made a public apology via The Sun on Sunday, expressing: "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly," reports the Express. (Image: ITV) "I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. "Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong." He continued by offering a targeted apology to the residents of Blackpool, reaffirming his regret over the language used. According to The Sun, Mr Borthwick has been suspended from EastEnders, prompting a firm rebuttal from the BBC: "This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this." (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes) In the last series, Mr Borthwick partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas on Strictly, while Wynne Evans, 53, best known for his role in the Go Compare adverts, also garnered criticism with his actions towards Katya Jones. Although it was presented as banter, Wynne Evans attracted censure once more for controversial remarks made off-camera and during the live stage tour. Mr Borthwick's connection to Evans dragged him into the ensuing controversy. Rumour has it that the debacle began last November during Strictly's filming at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Reach PLC has reached out to the BBC for further comment.
