[Suze]

Tributes to 'outstanding broadcaster' Tony Gubba, BBC sport and Dancing on Ice commentator

- 'Formidable broadcaster' dies at 69 after a short illness



11 March 2013

Tributes flooded in today for sports commentator Tony Gubba, who has died at the age of 69 following a short illness.

Gubba spent much of his career with the BBC but most recently worked as a commentator on ITV series Dancing On Ice following its launch in 2006.

His former colleague John Motson said: "Tony was a great friend and colleague for over 40 years and I shall miss him greatly. He was one of the original probing reporters - never afraid to ask a difficult question."

Philip Bernie, the BBC's head of TV Sport, said: "For a generation he was one of the most familiar and respected names in sports broadcasting. Tony was an outstanding sports journalist and a formidable broadcaster, whose death will sadden everyone at BBC Sport.

"As well as working on winter and summer Olympics since 1972, and being a Match of the Day regular for over 30 years, Tony worked on a huge range of sports during his time at the BBC, always displaying his trademark tenacious, single minded approach.

"Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and closest friends."

Dancing On Ice stars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean spoke of their sadness as they paid tribute today. In a joint statement, they said: "Tony was a dear friend, a wonderful man and much loved by all.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to work with him over the last eight years, he was always so professional and brought a real sense of fun to Dancing On Ice.

"We will miss him greatly and our hearts go out to his family at this sad time."

Having spent time as the Daily Mirror's north of England correspondent, Gubba joined BBC Sport in 1972 replacing David Coleman as the presenter of the midweek sports programme 'Sportsnight'.

He later went on to work on Match of the Day, both as commentator and front man, and to introduce Grandstand as a stand-in for Frank Bough.

In addition to football, Gubba was a sports all-rounder who commentated on hockey, table-tennis, golf, tennis, bobsleigh, ski-jumping, darts and ice-skating for the BBC. He also covered every Olympic Games, both summer and winter, from 1972 to 2012 and every World Cup from 1974 to 2006.

He leaves his partner of 15 years, Jenny, his two daughters, Claire, 40 and Libby, 38 and three granddaughters.

Born in Manchester, Gubba's voice was a familiar one in many sports fans' living rooms.

He also provided some memorable lines throughout both his football commentary and later his stint on Dancing on Ice.

Among the gems were: "The ball must be as slippery as a wet baby" and describing England rugby star Kyran Bracken's ice dance abilities: "He skates like Benny Hill chasing a chorus girl."

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[Jamie.]

So sad...

[Marcus.]

rip

[bbfan1991]

RIP. He was an amazing Sports Commentator and my thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones!