Soccer AM stunner Helen Chamberlain dated darts star earlier than he wed glamour mannequin
One of darts’ top stars had a romance with Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain before going on to marry his former PDC walk-on girl and glamour model wife
Darts ace James Wade is happily married to former glamour model Sammi Marsh-Wade – but before he met the walk-on girl at an event, he dated Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain.
Wade has never got his hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy – making it to the semi-finals on four occasions, most recently in 2022. And he will start his 2026 campaign on Wednesday evening with a clash against Japanese slinger Ryusei Azemoto.
And, in another world, Chamberlain could have been in the players section while the Machine made his entrance at the Ally Pally. Following his decision to leave his garage job and secure his maiden major triumph in ’07, he became involved with darts enthusiast Chamberlain.
She had competed in pub leagues, giving them a shared love for the game, even winning a ladies singles darts trophy in Torquay and almost nailed a 180 on SoccerAM.
When speculation emerged about his relationship with the then 41-year-old host, Wade, aged 25, commented in 2008: “Some of the things I’ve read are not quite true, but we all have good friends, whether they are male or female.
“Helen loves darts – perhaps that’s why we get on so well – but people are putting two and two together and making seven. If they made five, they may be closer to the truth, or they may be a million miles away… who knows?”
Despite his cryptic statement the pair dated between 2008 and 2010. After the separation Wade suffered a dip in form and mental health issues.
He was subsequently diagnosed with clinical depression, bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “I’ve had a terrible few months, probably the toughest of my life and I’ve still not sorted out my personal life even now,” Wade said.
“Helen and I were going through our split at the start of the year and my game went to pieces. I didn’t win any of my opening five Premier League matches and I’d criticism flying at me from all angles.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling. I’m not superhuman, I am quite emotional and personal problems have a huge influence on my darts. At times I’d rather have been anywhere than in front of 10,000 fans and live on Sky Sports.”
Wade met Sammi a couple of years later, knocking on a window to ask for her number, and they would wed in 2015.
