Bullseye host Bowen has stroke

Bullseye host Bowen suffers stroke

Former Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen has suffered a stroke

Bullseye presenter Jim Bowen is in hospital after suffering a mild stroke.

Jim, 73, who fronted Bullseye for 15 years, is recovering at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in Lancashire.

A family spokesperson said: “He’s settled and working hard with physiotherapists and the rest of the team.”

Jim’s wife, Phyllis, told the Manchester Evening News: “He has had physiotherapy and we have high hopes for him.

“I can’t say how long it will take, as these things do take time... He is doing okay and they are looking after him well.”

It is thought that Jim, who rose to fame on ITV talent showcase The Comedians after honing his act in pubs and clubs in northern England, was taken ill on the early hours of Friday.

The family spokesperson later confirmed that Jim suffered two strokes: he had a stroke at home and a second mild stroke in hospital, where the care has been “fantastic”, the spokesperson said.

In 1981 he landed his best-known role, as the presenter of ITV’s darts-themed quiz Bullseye.

His “super, smashing, great” and “now look what you could have won...” catchphrases helped turn him into a cult figure.

In 2002, Jim resigned from his job on a BBC local radio station after making a racist remark on air.