Andrew Wood, the television producer who co-created the iconic darts-themed game show “Bullseye,” has died at the age of 91. His daughter Laura Wood announced his passing on LinkedIn on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, revealing that he died on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Wood co-created the format for “Bullseye” alongside Norman Vaughan in 1980, creating what would become one of Britain’s most beloved television programs. The show aired on ITV and ran for 15 years during its initial run, with Jim Bowen serving as host from 1981 to 1996. The program combined contestants’ general knowledge questions with darts challenges, a unique concept that captivated audiences throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In her heartfelt announcement, Laura Wood shared memories of her father’s remarkable career and personal impact. “Most people will know him as the man (the legend) who created Bullseye. I simply know him as Dad,” she wrote.
Beyond his television legacy, Andrew Wood led an extraordinarily diverse professional life. He worked with Don Arden, known in the music industry as the Godfather of Rock, and owned the first record shop in Kingston-upon-Thames. His career path also included cutting hair for Formula One drivers, showcasing the breadth of his entrepreneurial spirit and connections across different industries.
Laura Wood described her father as driven and passionate throughout his life.
The game show format Wood created proved remarkably enduring. The original series ran for 15 years, establishing “Bullseye” as a cultural touchstone for British television viewers. Contestants competed for prizes by answering trivia questions and throwing darts, with the show becoming an instantly recognizable part of British television culture.
The show’s enduring popularity led ITV to commission a reboot in recent years, with former cricketer Freddie Flintoff taking on hosting duties. This revival introduced “Bullseye” to a new generation of viewers, capitalizing on renewed interest in darts as a spectator sport. Wood had applied to trademark the Bullseye name for merchandise, demonstrating his continued involvement with the property he created.
Laura Wood reflected on the lessons her father taught her throughout her life. She shared that he emphasized the importance of self-belief, telling her that people must believe in themselves, their goals, and their dreams because no one else will do it for them.
Following the announcement, tributes emerged celebrating Wood’s contributions to the television industry. His daughter expressed hope that she could continue to honor his memory by carrying his creation forward. “He leaves behind the most wonderful legacy with Bullseye, and I can only hope I can continue to make him proud by carrying his creation forward,” she stated.
The location of Kingston-upon-Thames held particular significance in Wood’s career, as it was where he established his pioneering record shop business before moving into television production. This entrepreneurial foundation laid the groundwork for his later success in creating one of Britain’s most memorable game shows.
Wood’s passing marks the end of an era for British game show television, though his creation continues to entertain audiences through its modern revival. His vision for combining quiz elements with sporting skill created a template that proved both entertaining and accessible, contributing to the show’s longevity and cultural impact across multiple decades.
