Career

Dennis Taylor has always been a powerful force in world snooker beating legendary names throughout his career, remaining in the Top 16 World Rankings for over 20 years. He is highly respected by his fellow professionals and peers and is now certainly one of the most recognizable faces within snooker.

Though Dennis Taylor has won many titles in his career, he will be remembered most for his 1985 Embassy World Championship victory. A record 18.5 million people tuned in to watch the conclusion of the match after midnight on BBC television. This famous victory catapulted Dennis Taylor into the public eye, appearing on Wogan 3 times in one year as well as the Kenny Everett Show and numerous other chat shows on primetime television.

When Steve Davis took an 8-0 lead in the first session, it looked as if Dennis Taylor would have to settle for the runners-up spot again, but he fought back to trail just 9-7 overnight. Few could believe the events of the final session, as the contest reached its climax. Dennis Taylor claimed the title on the final black and became a snooker legend.

In recent years he has made the smooth transition from player to commentator and is now an intricate part of the BBC television commentary team. Best known for his over-sized glasses Dennis Taylors' friendly character and cheeky Irish wit have made him one of the most recognised sporting faces in the UK. Although retired from professional snooker Dennis Taylors' instantly recognisable face and endearing nature ensure that he regularly makes celebrity appearances on a range of television and radio shows Dennis Taylor is highly sought after for his exhibition evenings – when his combination of trick shots, humour and top-class snooker have made him popular with every audience.

• 1985 Embassy World Snooker Champion
• World Championship runner-up
• World Trick Shot Champion
• 6 times Irish Champion
• Captained World Cup Winning Team 3 times
• Benson & Hedges Masters Champion
• Rothmans Grand Prix Champion
• Twice Canadian Open Champion
• Japanese Masters Champion
• Australian Masters Champion
• Champion of World Champions 1986

Dennis Taylor has recently been a contestant on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

See Dennis Taylors' Strictly Come Dancing profile.