One of the sport’s first great players, the man known as the “Crafty Cockney” was world champion five times between 1980-1986.

His final world championship, in 2000, was Bristow’s 23rd in a career during which he won over 70 professional titles.

He was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2005 and retired from competing at the end of 2007.

Bristow also worked as a TV pundit and was awarded an MBE for his services to sports in 1989.

“Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport,” PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said.

“He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play.”

“Eric was never afraid of controversy, but he spoke as he found and was honest and straightforward which is what people admired about him. The PDC, and the sport of darts, will miss him.”