Jim Bowen dead: Former Bullseye game show host dies aged 80

Bowen's wife confirmed his death on Wednesday 
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Comedian and broadcaster Jim Bowen, who was best known for hosting darts game show Bullseye, has died at the age of 80.

He became a household name while presenting the TV quiz series in the 1980s and 1990s.

Lancashire-born Bowen, started his career in showbusiness as a stand-up comedian in the 1960s, performing on the variety club circuit in the north of England.

The entertainer had previously worked as the deputy headmaster at a school in Lancaster, under his real name James Whittaker.

His wife Phyllis confirmed his death on Wednesday.

Entertainer: Bowen started his career as a stand-up comedian

Bowen made several small appearances in shows including Last of the Summer Wine, The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club, Take Two and You Must Be Joking early on in his career.

He began presenting Bullseye in 1981 and the show ran for 14 years until 1995.

The programme was famous for awarding bemused contestants with extravagant prizes like speedboats and caravans.

It also featured a mascot named Bully, an puppet, and later animated, bull who wore a red and white stripey shirt and blue trousers.

Bullseye: Jim Bowen pictured with one of the game show's extravagant prizes

Bullseye coined catchphrases liked "Look what you could have won" and "you can't beat a bit of Bully".

More recently, Bowen made cameos in comedies like Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights and Jonathan Creek.

He presented BBC Radio Lancashire between 1999 and 2002, resigning due to controversy around a comment he made to a guest on the show.

Bowen is survived by his wife Phyllis and children, Susan and Peter.

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