Wayne Mardle, the voice of Sky Sports darts, is mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Donna, who passed away aged 52 after a brief illness, leading to his absence from the opening night of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace. An emotional Emma Paton addressed viewers live, saying: “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, in our hearts, we love you very much and we will see you very soon.”

Mardle, who two years ago famously called Michael Smith’s nine-dart finish against Michael van Gerwen, is remembered for passionately commenting, “One man misses, does the other man get? I have never seen the like.

“Come on Bully Boy. Yes! Double 12…That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can’t speak, I can’t speak.”

The darts community awaits news if the renowned commentator will join the rest of the 2025 tournament that concludes on January 3.