"I miss him every day, I used to get 40 texts a day": MC Paul Booth remembers close friend Eric Bristow with anniversary approaching

A Master of Ceremonies well known on the exhibition circuit, worked on the League of Legends, the last BDO World Championship and on many other sports including boxing, Paul Booth struck a bond with only sportsman in particular before his passing.

That being 'The Crafty Cockney' Eric Bristow who had Booth as his regular MC in exhibitions over the years and speaking to Fen Regis Trophies admits he still misses to this day.

“I started working with Adrian [Lewis] and hosting these darts exhibitions, bringing a bit of fun with a few jokes and a bit of music," he said to Fen Regis Trophies.

“From Adrian Lewis, I started working with a few players and, at 39 years old, there was a new remake of the League of Legends with all the old players on Setanta Sports.

“I was lucky enough to be selected from a number of people to be the MC on it and that’s how I got introduced to the legends, all your old school players like Bobby George, John Lowe and, of course, ‘The Crafty Cockney’ Eric Bristow.

“I first met Eric 16 years ago now and met him again on the League of Legends. We did a couple of events for the title sponsor, and Eric and I really hit it off.

“I think the reason we hit it off is because you get what you see with both of us; there are no airs and graces with either of us. We were just two guys wanting to be the best at what we do.

“I remember watching Eric as a kid when I was 10 or 11 years old. I used to look up to him as a kid and we used to try to do ‘The Crafty Cockney’ throw…he was without a doubt one of my sporting heroes.

“The great saying is that you should never meet your heroes, but I’m certainly glad that I met mine.”

With the five year anniversary of his passing coming in early April, he is still a figure that holds a special place with great memories but also sadness that he is no longer here.

“We had done countless exhibitions together and became really, really good friends. We had many nights away together, shared hundreds of curries, and had some great times.

“It’s fair to say that even though I met at 38 years old, what that guy taught me in life was just unbelievable. He was an incredible human being.

“I miss him every day. I used to get 40 texts a day from him, I’d be with him three or four times a week and we’d be on the phone together all the time.

“He’s just someone I will dearly miss for the rest of my days.”