SKY SPORTS have paid a heartfelt tribute to the wife of darts presenter Wayne Mardle who passed away this week aged 52 after a short illness.

Presenter Emma Paton announced the sad news of Donna’s passing live on TV on Sunday, ahead of the opening night of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

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Mardle – who played in five world semi-finals on the BDO and PDC circuits – was due to be one of the main figures of Sky TV’s Ally Pally coverage this Christmas.

But he was absent from day one of this year’s tournament on compassionate grounds.

And it is understood he will not be part of the commentary team – where he is an integral voice – for the foreseeable future.

Paton choked back tears as she said: “Now if you are a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne is not here with us this evening.

“Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do here at Sky Sports Darts.

“But the heart of his world, his wonderful wife Donna, sadly passed away earlier this week after a short illness.

“We will be remembering Donna throughout this tournament. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts, we love you very much. And we will see you very soon.”

Luke Littler led the tributes, writing on Instagram: “Thinking of you Wayne.”

While darts legend Phil Taylor while: “So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.”

The PDC said: “All our thoughts·and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, after the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week.”

Nearly seven years ago, Wayne revealed on social media that Donna had come through a battle with cancer.

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The 51-year-old posted on his X account: “I don’t normally tweet personal stuff, but I need to tell the world that my wife Donna, is now CANCER FREE!!! We’re so so happy. #BEATEN.”

On July 24, 2024, Wayne posted a tribute to his wife on their 22nd wedding anniversary.

Mardle, who was nicknamed Hawaii 501 in his playing days, said: “On 30th April 1988 I asked Donna Hyde if she would be my girlfriend.

“She said yes, emphatically of course. Ha.

“Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary. To celebrate she’s p***ed off to Gibraltar with the girls for a week.”

Mardle earned worldwide fame during the 2023 World final when he commentated on Michael Smith’s thrilling nine-dart finish against Michael van Gerwen.

He screamed “I CAN’T SPAKE” – and even lost his voice – after reporting on the Greatest Leg of All Time.