• [Daily Mirror Icon]
• Sport
• Other Sports
• Bobby George

Darts icon Bobby George opens up on his health after being told he could've been dead in 18 months

Darts legend Bobby George has spoken about what led him to discover a health issue before undergoing a procedure

[Bobby George]

View 2 Images

Darts legend Bobby George has discussed a health issue(Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fitzdares)

Darts icon Bobby George is recovering after recently undergoing a procedure to fix a heart valve. The 80-year-old revealed how he almost missed the doctors appointment that spotted the problem, which could have potentially ended his life within 18 months.

The Bobby Dazzler has remained a household name for decades, having officially called time on his professional darts career in 2009. He twice reached the BDO World Championship final at Lakeside but lost to Eric Bristow and John Part in 1980 and 1994, respectively.

George has subsequently thrived as a pundit, having begun working for the BBC in 1998. Still one of the sports biggest personalities, the icons smiling nature and enthusiasm for the game have ensured his enduring popularity.

However, George recently faced a health scare after being alerted to a problem with his heart. The 80-year-old is currently resting up after undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), rather than open-heart surgery, following an hour-long procedure which saw the implant inserted through his groin.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page

I was chatting to my doctors and said I want to live to f****** 90, he told The Sun. And when Im 90, I want to live to 100. Maybe 180 is too much. I already look like a f****** dried-up doughnut now one with no jam in it.

[Luke Littler's pursuit of the PDC clean sweep has become one of the sport stories of 2026]

OPINION

It transpired that George should have had his heart examined a decade ago and the doctor arranged for him to see a specialist. However, a letter with the details never arrived and it was only a stroke of luck that meant George made it to his appointment.

Then my daughter, who lives with my ex-wife in Redbridge, rang to say shes got a letter from the National Health Service for dad, he explained. It was an appointment, a time and date, with this specialist. They sent that f****** thing to my address from 40-odd years ago.

If Id got a letter from the NHS not for me, Id just f-ing bin it. And 99 per cent of people would, too. Its like a Del Boy story really. Because if my daughter hadnt lived at that address still, Id be on my way to being dead.

[Bobby George]

View 2 Images

George reached two world finals during his playing days(Image: Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images)

Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

[Content Image]

51

35

Sky

Get the deal here

Product Description

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves 384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.

Talk about being lucky. Without that, Id be down the f****** swanee. One doctor said if I didnt have this valve fixed, Ill be dead in 18 months.

Following the procedure, George is recuperating at his self-built, 18-bedroom mansion George Hall. He has been watching darts during his recovery and admits he was initially wrong about two-time world champion Luke Littler. The 19-year-old has clinched five major titles in 2026 and recently triumphed for England at the World Cup of Darts, alongside Luke Humphries.

I said he could be a fluke. Luke could be a fluke. But he keeps winning, and he aint no fluke, George said of Littlers success. Hes unbelievable, isnt he? He just wins everything. Just amazing.

"People have had chances to beat him, actually beat him. But when hes on top, they aint got a chance, have they?

[Daily Mirror Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.