Bill Arthur dead at 68: Iconic Sky Sports commentator passes away after brave battle with prostate cancer
ICONIC Sky Sports commentator Bill Arthur has died at the age of 68.
Sky Sports said the former rugby league commentator had passed away following a long battle with prostate cancer.
The statement confirmed he had died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his loved ones.
Arthur had been diagnosed with the disease in 2011.
The Sky statement said: "Bill was a much-loved and respected member of the Sky Sports family who will be missed terribly by his friends and colleagues.
"Everyone at Sky Sports sends their heartfelt condolences to Bill's loved-ones and ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."
Originally coming from Lemington Spa, Arthur began his career in South Yorkshire, where he worked for the Barnsley Star and Sheffield Star newspapers.
He then transitioned into radio, working for Metro Radio and Radio City in Newcastle and Liverpool respectively.
A rugby league superfan, the early 1990s saw him then become a regular pitchside and feature reporter for magazine programme Boots 'N' All.
He was a pioneer on coverage for the new summer rugby and Super League, with notable games he covered including the first Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Arthur then moved into commentary in the late 90s before he became the lead commentator of Sky's Championship coverage between 2007 and 2012.
In April 2019 he replaced Eddie Hemmings as their lead rugby league commentator.
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