Andy Fordham: The Viking

Andy "The Viking" Fordham is a darts legend and one of the most popular players of all time. He became a superstar in 2004, when he won the BDO World Championship. Overnight, the UK fell in love with this larger-than-life figure, and would do so again when he attempted to bring his weight under control on Celebrity Fit Club. But all was not well. Andy's drinking—more than 25 bottles of beer a day—made his weight skyrocket out of control. He weighed 31 stone when he won the world title and severe problems were building up. Over the next two years his health deteriorated and his playing suffered a dramatic decline. Then, in January 2007, Andy collapsed and nearly died. Doctors told Andy he would die if he carried on drinking, so he stopped immediately. But then, in the summer of 2008, he was told he would not survive without a liver transplant. With his life hanging in the balance, he was rushed to the hospital only to be told that the donor's organ was not a match. And then the seemingly impossible happened. Contrary to all medical wisdom, Andy Fordham's liver made an astonishing recovery. It was another major event in the dramatic personal resurgence that has seen his photo splashed across national newspapers—at seemingly half his former weight and age. Here the gentle giant tells his life story—combining boozy anecdotes with an honest, moving account of his severe health problems, his loyal wife's fight against cancer and the combined impact on his family.