Local celebrity and Bucks Free Press columnist Colin Baker has led tributes to legendary darts player Eric Bristow, who died this week aged 60.
Mr Baker, who was in the jungle with Mr Bristow on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in 2012, called the five-time world champion a “diamond in the rough”, saying he was a “funny, forthright, no-nonsense” friend in a tweet.
The legend, known by his nickname the Crafty Cockney, sadly died at a Premier League event in Liverpool last night after suffering a heart attack.
Speaking to the Bucks Free Press, Mr Baker said he would miss his friend.
He said: “Having spent four weeks trapped in the jungle with him, I found he was the one who was the most supportive when things were down.
“He could be a grumpy and sarcastic chap to some people but he was never like that with me. He didn’t suffer fools gladly.
“We would promise to meet up and have a drink – we never got around to it.
“To be the best at what you do, you aren’t going to be dull and he wasn’t.
“I can’t help feeling for his wife and son.”
So very sad to hear about Eric Bristow tonight. He kept me sane and focused in I'm a Celeb and was a funny, forthright no nonsense friend. My thoughts are with his family. I'll miss him.
— Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex) April 5, 2018
Mr Bristow was awarded an MBE for his services to sport in 1989.
The world of darts also paid tribute to Mr Bristow, with two-time world champion Michael van Gerwen tweeting: “Just heard the latest horrible news that Eric Bristow has passed away.
“My thought are with his family at this sad time. True legend in the game! #RIPEric #legend.”
And friend Bobby George, who knew Mr Bristow since they were teenagers and was beaten by him 5-3 in a thrilling match in 1980, told BBC Radio Two the news of his death made him “feel ill”.
He said: “I couldn't even sleep last night thinking about it.
“Eric lived on a dartboard every day. He had one week at a job before he gave that the elbow.”
My two friends from the jungle. Eric was a true 'diamond in the rough'! https://t.co/7DUSqPFYDz
— Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex) April 6, 2018
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