Dennis Taylor has been a well-known face in snooker for many years, however what do we all know concerning the Northern Irishman away from the desk?
Dennis Taylor on the 2025 World Snooker Championship. (Picture: Getty Photos)
For snooker followers of a selected era, the ultimate of the World Championship within the tv schedules will at all times evoke reminiscences of Dennis Taylor.
Taylor was one half of probably the most legendary finals within the match’s historical past when he defeated Steve Davis 18-17 to say the title in 1985. The Northern Irishman has remained a well-known face on our screens ever since, whereas his private life has additionally drawn curiosity.
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The 1985 triumph marked his second look within the ultimate on the Crucible, together with his first – in 1979 – ending in defeat in opposition to Terry Griffiths. Now aged 77, he’s predominantly seen in a punditry or commentary position.
Taylor continues to be one of the crucial recognisable personalities in snooker, partly owing to his signature spectacles and distinctive voice within the commentary field. Right here, we’ve got examined his life past the baize extra carefully.
Divorce from first spouse
Taylor has been married on two events. He shares three youngsters together with his first spouse, Patricia, though the couple divorced in 1993 following 23 years of marriage, with Taylor suggesting the mounting strain following his world title victory performed an element.
The snooker star acquired married once more in 2001. He has two youngsters together with his second spouse, Louise – daughter Amber and son Cameron.
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BBC backlash
Taylor has remained a well-known face on BBC snooker protection, but there was a time when it appeared he and fellow former participant John Virgo would possibly disappear from our screens. That they did not was partly attributable to a fierce fan backlash, which compelled the broadcaster to reverse its choice.
“I’ve labored with Virgo and Dennis and what they know, does not come cheaply, that is years and years of expertise,” ex-pro Joe Perry informed Metro when information of their potential exit emerged. “They could miss a number of methods with some pictures that some boys play at the moment however they do know their stuff they usually’re wonderful at their job.
Dennis Taylor, 36, celebrates together with his spouse Trish, proper, and daughter Denise, after successful the World Snooker Championship. (Picture: PA)
“Commentary is not simply what is going on on on the desk, there’s introducing the frames, closing the frames out, creating the drama they usually’re wonderful at that. We would perceive the fashionable sport a bit higher, however we have got quite a bit to be taught from them on that a part of the job.”
Heartbreaking John Virgo request
Virgo handed away all of a sudden in early 2026, at a time when he remained very a lot on the coronary heart of snooker broadcasting. A second’s applause was held in honour of the legend earlier than play commenced at this yr’s World Championship, whereas a touching request from his long-standing colleague Taylor additionally emerged early within the match.
As revealed by presenter Hazel Irvine, Taylor requested Virgo’s household whether or not they could be comfy with him incorporating a few of his late good friend’s trademark phrases into his commentary this yr.
This follows Taylor talking publicly after a memorial service held for Virgo in Sheffield. “John wasn’t solely cherished by snooker followers all over the world, he was cherished for what he did on Large Break with Jim Davidson – individuals watched that present of their hundreds of thousands – and, after all, he did lots of pantomime,” Taylor mentioned.
“He had an terrible lot of assist there, which was fantastic. There have been some pretty phrases from Brook Leah, his daughter, and Gary, his son.”
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