Clive Everton updates – world of snooker pays tribute as legendary BBC commentator dies aged 87
Clive Everton, the celebrated snooker commentator, has died at the age of 87.
A fixture on BBC TV for over 30 years from the 1970s, Everton was highly respected as both a broadcaster and journalist.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Everton was also a professional snooker player, turning professional in 1981 and achieving a highest ranking of world No. 47 during his decade-long career.
The World Snooker Tour released a statement honouring him as "one of snooker's greatest commentators and the voice of the sport." They added, "Everton devoted his life to snooker and covered some of the sport's most historic moments as a broadcaster and journalist."
This week, players at the British Open in Cheltenham are competing for the Clive Everton Trophy, named in his honour two years ago.
Follow our live blog for updates on Clive Everton as tributes pour in...
A gentle end to an era in Snooker broadcasting
While the exact cause of Clive Everton's death has not been disclosed, he had been living with Parkinson's disease in his later years.
This condition had limited his ability to travel to tournaments since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Clive’s passing signifies the end of an era in snooker broadcasting, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply influenced the sport and its fans.
Personal life
Before embarking on his commentating career, Clive worked as a teacher.
He graduated from Cardiff University with a BA in English, before marrying his wife Valerie.
Clive then moved to the Midlands where his new father-in-law arranged a teaching job at a college of further education in Halesowen, where he taught English and Liberal Studies.
But journalism was what he really wanted to pursue as a career.
Tributes pour in for Clive Everton
The snooker community is mourning the loss of Clive Everton, with heartfelt tributes highlighting his profound impact on the sport.
Neil Robertson paid homage to Everton, describing him as "an inspiration to many of today’s great commentators," and noting that he "warmed the hearts of millions watching at home."
Dennis Taylor, the 1985 World Snooker Champion and fellow commentator, expressed his sorrow, stating, "So sad to hear of the passing of Clive Everton. A wonderful commentator and a pleasure to work with for many years. Condolences to all his family. RIP."
A lasting legacy
Clive’s contributions to snooker were widely recognised, and he was inducted into snooker's Hall of Fame in 2017.
He was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in 2019.
In 2022, the trophy for the British Open was named in his honour.
Who was Clive Everton?
Clive Everton was born in Worcester, England on September 7, 1937.
His journey as a snooker commentator began on BBC radio in 1972, when Alex Higgins won his first world title.
In 1978, Clive made his debut for the BBC at the World Championship, remarkably with just 20 minutes' notice.
This impromptu start marked the beginning of a 30-year tenure with the BBC, during which he became an integral part of their snooker coverage — but his influence in the game extends far beyond commentary.
Beyond the commentary booth
In addition to his celebrated career as commentator, Clive Everton was also a talented snooker and billiards player.
He reached the semi-finals of the World Amateur Billiards Championship in both 1975 and 1977, and at his peak, climbed to ninth in the world billiards rankings.
Everton turned professional in snooker in 1981 and achieved a highest ranking of 47th during his decade-long playing career.
His deep knowledge and passion for the game, both as a player and commentator, make him one of the sport's legendary figures.
Clive Everton remembered for his iconic commentary
A fan has fondly remembered Clive Everton as a "goliath wordsmith," noting it was fitting that Everton had the honour of commentating on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 1000th century.
Everton worked as a respected broadcaster and journalist for BBC TV for over 30 years, starting in the 1970s, cementing his status as one of snooker’s most revered voices.
"A pleasure to work with"
Dennis Taylor, the 1985 World Snooker Champion and fellow commentator, has paid tribute to Clive Everton.
Taylor wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of Clive Everton. A wonderful commentator and was a pleasure to work with for many years. Condolences to all his family. RIP."
"An inspiration to many"
Neil Robertson has offered a heartfelt tribute, describing Everton as "an inspiration to many of today’s great commentators," and noting that he "warmed the hearts of millions watching at home."
Hendon pays tribute to his mentor
David Hendon, a protégé and close friend of Everton, announced the sad news of the iconic commentator's passing on social media.
He wrote: "I have some very sad news. Clive Everton has passed away at the age of 87.
"A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much.
"The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved."
Shaun Murphy pays tribute
The current world number 7 wrote on X: "Sad to hear of the passing of Snooker broadcasting royalty Clive Everton.
"Amazing twist of irony that players are competing this week for a trophy named in his honour.
"Impeccable timing until the end.
"Rest in peace Clive."
Today marks the quarter-finals of the British Open, where the winner will receive the Clive Everton Trophy, named in his honour two years ago.”
Clive Everton: The "Voice of Snooker"
Iconic snooker commentator Clive Everton has passed away at the age of 87.
During his 10 years as a professional player, Everton achieved a ranking of 47th in the world and became known as the "voice of snooker" for his insightful commentary.
Paying tribute to him, the World Snooker Tour stated, "Everton devoted his life to snooker and covered some of the sport's most historic moments as a broadcaster and journalist."