The British entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Andrew Wood, the celebrated co-creator of the beloved ITV quiz show Bullseye, who has died at the age of 91.
A Life Less Ordinary: From Record Shops to TV Stardom
Andrew Wood's remarkable career spanned numerous fields before he struck television gold. His daughter, Laura, announced his passing in a heartfelt social media tribute, revealing a man of immense drive and passion.
Before his foray into television, Wood lived a life many would envy. He owned the first record shop in Kingston-upon-Thames, worked with the legendary 'Godfather of Rock' Don Arden, and even styled the hair of Formula 1 drivers. This diverse background fuelled the creative vision that would later lead to one of ITV's most enduring hits.
The Bullseye Legacy: A British Television Phenomenon
Together with comedian Norman Vaughan, Andrew Wood conceived Bullseye, which first premiered on ITV in 1980. The show, originally hosted by the late Jim Bowen, became a staple of British television culture for 15 years during its initial run.
Wood's daughter recalled her father's unwavering belief in the concept, stating he "knew with Bullseye that he had a hit on his hands, and my goodness, he was right." The programme's format, combining darts with general knowledge questions, captivated audiences for decades and was recently revived on ITV with Freddie Flintoff at the helm.
A Daughter's Tribute: Remembering the Man Behind the Legend
In her moving online post, Laura Wood shared the profound grief she and her mother felt after saying a final goodbye to Andrew on a Sunday morning. She described the difficulty of articulating such a significant loss, expressing immense pride in being his daughter.
She remembered him not just as a TV legend, but as a father who taught her to "believe in yourself, your goals and your dreams, because if you don’t, no one else will." Laura pledged to honour his memory by carrying his most famous creation forward, ensuring the Bullseye legacy endures.
Andrew Wood's passing marks the end of an era for British television, but his creation continues to bring joy to new generations of viewers, a fitting tribute to a man of vision and relentless passion.
