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For snooker fans of a particular generation, the final of the World Championship in the television schedules will always evoke memories of Dennis Taylor.

Taylor was one half of the most legendary finals in the tournament's history when he defeated Steve Davis 18-17 to claim the title in 1985. The Northern Irishman has remained a familiar face on our screens ever since, while his personal life has also drawn interest.

The 1985 triumph marked his second appearance in the final at the Crucible, with his first - in 1979 - ending in defeat against Terry Griffiths. Now aged 77, he is predominantly seen in a punditry or commentary role.

Taylor continues to be one of the most recognisable personalities in snooker, partly owing to his signature spectacles and distinctive voice in the commentary box. Here, we have examined his life beyond the baize more closely.

Divorce from first wife

Taylor has been married on two occasions. He shares three children with his first wife, Patricia, although the couple divorced in 1993 following 23 years of marriage, with Taylor suggesting the mounting pressure following his world title victory played a part.

The snooker star got married again in 2001. He has two children with his second wife, Louise - daughter Amber and son Cameron.

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BBC backlash

Taylor has remained a familiar face on BBC snooker coverage, yet there was a time when it appeared he and fellow former player John Virgo might disappear from our screens. That they didn't was partly due to a fierce fan backlash, which forced the broadcaster to reverse its decision.

"I've worked with Virgo and Dennis and what they know, doesn't come cheaply, that's years and years of experience," ex-pro Joe Perry told Metro when news of their potential exit emerged. "They might miss a few tricks with some shots that some boys play today but they do know their stuff and they're excellent at their job.

"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."

Heartbreaking John Virgo request

Virgo passed away suddenly in early 2026, at a time when he remained very much at the heart of snooker broadcasting. A moment's applause was held in honour of the legend before play commenced at this year's World Championship, while a touching request from his long-standing colleague Taylor also emerged early in the tournament.

As revealed by presenter Hazel Irvine, Taylor asked Virgo's family whether they would be comfortable with him incorporating some of his late friend's trademark phrases into his commentary this year.

This follows Taylor speaking publicly after a memorial service held for Virgo in Sheffield. "John wasn't only loved by snooker fans around the world, he was loved for what he did on Big Break with Jim Davidson - people watched that show in their millions - and, of course, he did a lot of pantomime," Taylor said.

"He had an awful lot of support there, which was wonderful. There were some lovely words from Brook Leah, his daughter, and Gary, his son."