Snooker’s iconic former Master of Ceremonies Alan Hughes passes away – as tributes pour in for legendary voice behind Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White’s nicknames
- Alan Hughes, known as snooker’s greatest MC, has died
- Hughes gave stars such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and James White their nicknames
Legendary snooker MC Alan Hughes, who gave famous stars their nicknames, has died.
Hughes, who was dubbed the ‘Voice of Snooker’, led to Ronnie O’Sullivan being dubbed ‘The Rocket’, while Jimmy White was known as ‘The Whirlwind of London Town’.
Hughes was a regular at the Crucible and was also the MC for 42 boxing fights, as reported by The sun.
He oversaw boxing fights with the likes of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.
Hughes also had a further sporting background playing alongside Jimmy Greaves for Tottenham.
Hughes explained on his website that he changed O’Sullivan’s nickname, but it didn’t stick.
Alan Hughes, the legendary voice of snooker, has sadly passed away
Snooker MC Hughes was responsible for referring to O’Sullivan as ‘the rocket’
Jimmy White was called ‘The Whirlwind of London Town’ by Hughes
He said: ‘I started calling Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘the Rocket’ but he didn’t like it.
‘Apparently there was a guy in Birmingham who they called ‘Rocket Ron’ because he couldn’t pocket a ball!
“But now I call it ‘the Essex Exocet’ because I think it’s a bit more stylish.”
After his death, many tributes were paid to Hughes.
One user wrote: ‘Sad to hear that former snooker MC Alan Hughes has passed away. Gave nicknames to a few pros that stuck around and were always good for fun. God rest him.’
Snooker coach Fin Ruane wrote: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of Alan Hughes – the original snooker MC who undoubtedly paved the way for many in the business today
‘Dear man and great company during the tournaments of the past. Rest in peace Alan’.
Another user expressed his sadness over Hughes’ death.
They wrote: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Snooker’s legendary MC – the one and only Alan Hughes. Hard to believe how many famous names this sport has lost this year alone. May he rest in peace’.
Journalist Nick Metcalfe paid tribute to Hughes when he wrote: ‘It is sad to hear the news that the greatest snooker player ever, Alan Hughes, has passed away. Alan radiated show business. Purely old-fashioned. And boy, he brought gravitas to that job. ‘The Whirlwind of London Town…’ RIP Alan’.