His Llanelli accent – delivered in soft, hushed tones – and dry wit made him instantly recognisable among viewers.

And while many will remember Griffiths for his on-air quips and, earlier, his cautious style of play, he also achieved notable success as a coach after retiring in 1997.

He tutored several leading players, including world champions such as Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Ken Doherty and John Parrott.

Born in Llanelli in 1947, Griffiths worked as a postman, insurance salesman, miner and bus conductor during a long and successful amateur career.

He won the Welsh Amateur Championship in 1975 and the English Amateur Championship in 1977 and 1978 before turning professional in 1978.

Griffiths had to qualify for his first World Championship in 1979 and, after doing so, he beat Perrie Mans in the first round and the great Alex Higgins in the quarter-finals.

After overcoming Eddie Charlton in an epic semi-final, Griffiths declared in a post-match interview which has been replayed many times since: “I’m in the final now, you know!”