Dennis Taylor's net worth, backlash to BBC decision, rival who threatened to have him shot

The iconic voice of Dennis Taylor will grace this weekend's final. The former Crucible champion, now 76, is a beloved figure in the sport, and remains known for his unique upside-down glasses and his victory over in the 'Black Ball Final' of 1985.

Four decades after his most memorable moment on the green baize, Taylor continues to tour the country with Davis and fellow legend John Virgo, sharing tales from his illustrious career and that famous match. In addition to his touring, Taylor lends his wit and wisdom to the BBC commentary box during Triple Crown events, including the current World Championship. Here's everything you need to know about Taylor, from his career earnings to his infamous clash with fellow Northern Irishman Alex Higgins....

What is Dennis Taylor's net worth?

Taylor amassed nearly £1.5million during his professional career, which spanned from 1972 to 2000. His 1985 world title netted him £60,000, equivalent to £183,000 in today's money, according to the Bank of England currency calculator. This year's champion will pocket £500,000.

Taylor also clinched the Masters in 1987, staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Higgins and secure £51,000. He reportedly has a

Did the BBC sack Dennis Taylor?

Snooker fans breathed a sigh of relief after the BBC made a swift U-turn on its decision to axe commentary legends Taylor and Virgo. The corporation had planned to move on the veteran pair in favour of younger voices, only to reverse the decision following a huge backlash.

The pair were backed by veteran pro-turned-commentator Joe Perry, who has worked alongside both. He told the in 2023: "Commentary isn't just what's going on on the table, there's introducing the frames, closing the frames out, creating the drama and they're excellent at that.

"We might understand the modern game a bit better, but we've got a lot to learn from them on that part of the job."

Is Dennis Taylor married?

Taylor, who lives in Lancashire, has three children with first wife Patricia, a daughter called Denise and two sons, Damian and Brendan. The couple divorced, with Taylor partly blaming the marriage breakdown on the demands on him after winning the world title. He remarried in 2001 to Louise, with the couple having a son, Cameron, and a daughter, Amber.

What happened between Dennis Taylor and Alex Higgins?

Taylor had a tumultuous relationship with the sport's biggest rebel, 'Hurricane' Higgins. Tension between the pair reached a boiling point during the 1990 World Cup when Higgins, after losing a frame and wanting to break the rules by taking Taylor's turn, infamously threatened his life, declaring: "The next time you go back home I'm going to have you shot."

The outburst was witnessed by reporters and quickly escalated into a major news story. Reflecting on the incident in a 2004 interview with the as Higgins battled cancer before his death in 2010, Taylor acknowledged their rocky past, saying: "There was some nastiness between us then, I can't deny that.

"But I've got nothing but good feelings for Alex now - and I wish him all the best in his battle against cancer. The ill-feeling we once had has long gone."