Snooker commentator 'Whispering' Ted Lowe dies at 90

[dutchman]

Former snooker commentator Ted Lowe has died at 90, the BBC has learned.



Lowe, born in Berkshire, became a household name through the hit television show Pot Black in 1969 and retired after the 1996 world final.

He died on the morning of the first session of the 2011 Snooker World Championship final in Sheffield.

Lowe's unmistakable hushed tones earned him the popular nickname "Whispering Ted" and he was the BBC's lead commentator on many occasions.

His wife of 21 years, Jean, said: "His health had been deteriorating for the last 10 weeks. He went into a hospice a week ago and I never left his side. But I could see he was slowly going. He still loves snooker and was watching it on TV."

John Virgo, a former player before becoming a co-commentator alongside Lowe, said: "He set a standard for us all. He was wonderful, he had an impish sense of humour and while cricket had its John Arlott and Wimbledon had its Dan Maskell, we had Ted Lowe.

"He was one of the BBC greats. It's a sad day for snooker and he'll be sadly missed."