Former darts world champion Andy Fordham has passed away at the age of 59.

The former Dartford publican won the 2004 BDO World Darts Championship and claimed the 1999 Winmau World Masters in a glistening career spanning two decades.

Nicknamed The Viking, Mr Fordham is considered a legendary figure on the circuit and his death, announced earlier today, shocked fans around the world.

Tributes poured in on social media following the news.

Fellow darts professional Bobby George described him as a "gentle giant" that was "loved by all".

"Just heard the devastating news that Andy Fordham has passed away," he said.

"Our condolences go out to his wife Jenny family and friends. RIP Andy Fordham The Viking."

Former heavyweight champion boxer Frank Bruno also paid tribute as he tweeted: "It is with great sadness I have just learnt of the passing of Andy.

"Every sport has characters and Andy was one of them. A lovely man."

Together with wife Jenny, Andy used to run The Rose pub in Overy Street in Dartford but he stepped down in 2007 after health problems.

He then moved to Charlton but retained close links and affection with the town.

During his playing career Andy played in 12 consecutive tournaments at the famous Lakeside country venue from 1995 to 2006 and made a memorable comeback at the 2015 Grand Slam scoring 180 with his first three darts.

The Bristol-born player was best known for his Sky Box Office encounter with Phil Taylor, the then reigning PDC world champion at Purfleet's Circus Tavern, in a match billed as "The Showdown".

But he was taken ill during the tie and was unable to finish.

His health problems scuppered his playing career and Mr Fordham was placed on the transplant list after suffering from cirrhosis – a scarring of the liver – caused by heavy drinking.

Fordham once weighed 31 stone and was reported to have downed 25 bottles of lager a day before addressing his health issues.

Speaking in 2011, he said: "Losing weight is going to be key to my ambition.

"Some years back, I reduced from my highest ever level of 31 stone to 16. If I could do it then, I can do it again.”

But despite shedding the pounds on multiple occasions his career began to slump and he took time off to remaster his trade.

The oche star's final tournament came in March 2018 after a failed attempt at qualifying for the Masters.

Last year, The Viking was reportedly hospitalised with a bowel blockage before he was struck by coronavirus.

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