Dickie Davies, a beloved TV presenter and the face of ITV sports coverage for more than two decades, has sadly passed away. The news was announced by his former colleague Jim Rosenthal, who said that Davies’ family were “so proud” of his “brilliant career on the telly”. Fellow sports broadcaster Simon Thomas paid tribute to Davies, calling him an “absolute giant” in the industry.
Davies began his television career as an announcer on Southern Television in 1960. He then moved to ITV’s new show World of Sport and was initially an understudy to Eamonn Andrews before becoming the main host in 1968. Every Saturday saw him presenting a five-hour TV marathon, covering a wide range of sports including many minority events not previously seen on television.
One of the most memorable episodes was the 1977 Christmas special, during which the comedian Eric Morecambe performed a series of skits as Davies presented the show. At one point, the pair even played a game of pool, with Morecambe using Davies’ head to balance his cue. His bushy moustache and dark bouffant hair with a trademark white streak at the front made him one of the most recognisable – and impersonated – stars of the era on ITV.
Davies also worked on ITV’s coverage of three Olympic Games. After World of Sport ended in 1985, he stayed at ITV as a presenter for another four years before switching to a new role as sports editor with Classic FM. Unfortunately, a stroke in 1995 badly affected his speech and forced him off air as he slowly recovered. He later returned intermittently to the screen for a number of specials, including ITV’s 50-year World of Sport anniversary in 2005, as well as some shows for Sky Sports.
The world of television has lost a true icon in Dickie Davies. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and those who watched him on their screens every Saturday afternoon. His family can take comfort in knowing that he was respected and admired by so many people in the industry, and that his legacy will live on for many years to come.