Breaking: Former Bullseye host Jim Bowen has died aged 80

Broadcaster and comedian Jim Bowen has died aged 80, his wife confirmed today

Presenter of the darts-based game show Bullseye in the 80s and 90s Jim Bowen has died.

The Lancashire-born former deputy headmaster began his career as a stand-up comedian and rose to fame presenting Bullseye for 14 years between 1981 and 1995.

[caption id="attachment_167832" align="alignnone" width="1727"] (Credit: Gary M. Prior)[/caption]

From the 1960s stand-up circuit, Bowen became a household name thanks to the game show and for his much-loved catchphrase "you can't beat a bit of Bully."

The show ran for 14 years and attracted a peak audience of 20 million people. Bowen also played a number of roles in TV including in Muck and Brass, Jonathan Creek, The Grimleys, and as Hoss Cartwright in the second series of Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights.

He presented a live morning magazine programme on Radio Lancashire from 1999 to 2003.