Andy Fordham dead: Former darts world champion dies aged 59

Tributes have been paid to The Viking, who won the BDO World Darts Championship in 2004

Andy Fordham, the former BDO darts world champion, has died aged 59.

Fordham, who was nicknamed The Viking, beat Mervyn King in the 2004 final to win the title.

In a statement, the BDO said: “The British Darts Organisation are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of the darts legend Andy (The Viking) Fordham, a true gentleman of the game who will deeply missed by all.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with his family at this time.”

After the triumph he took on Phil Taylor in a televised battle but fell ill during the match and had to withdraw. It was later revealed he often drank up to 24 bottles of lager before taking to the stage.

After a health scare in 2007 where doctors told Fordham his liver was 75 per cent dead, he enrolled on reality TV show Celebrity Fit Club and joined the Professional Darts Corporation in 2009.

The Bristol-born player would later return to the BDO and qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts in 2015 where he claimed a first televised win in 10 years over Wayne Jones.

Fordham went into hospital last year for an operation on a bowel blockage. In January he contracted coronavirus, which he described as “the scariest thing” he had ever faced.

However, he recovered and made plans to return to the oche, recently registering for next year’s World Seniors Darts Championship.

Fordham passed away on at home Thursday morning with his wife Jenny by his side.

Tributes have been paid on social media. Two-time world champion Adrian Lewis tweeted: “Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham our thoughts are with his family.”

Former player and prominent TV presenter Bobby George tweeted: “Just heard the devastating news that Andy Fordham has passed away. He was a gentle giant and loved by all. Our condolences go out to his wife Jenny family and friends. RIP ANDY FORDHAM THE VIKING.”

Additional reporting by PA