Darts star rages at ‘very poor’ ITV and makes accusation as he is kicked off protection
ITV unveiled their new darts line-up ahead of the 2026 PDC season on Thursday, with one pundit claiming that he wasn’t given notice that he was getting the boot from the broadcaster
Alan Warriner accused ITV of axing him without telling him(Image: Getty Images)
Alan Warriner has accused ITV of throwing him ‘in the gutter’ after sensationally claiming he was axed without being told – despite announcing his own exit weeks ago. The former darts star claims he only found out the broadcaster had cut ties with him after 20 years after they unveiled their team for 2026.
The PDC shared a video on social media on Thursday, showing who will present coverage on ITV’s part for the season ahead. They captioned the post: “The new-look line-up for ITV’s darting coverage has been unveiled ahead of the start of the 2026 season!”
The video highlighted that Pete Graves and Gabbie Partington will be on presentational duties, while Mark Webster and Wayne Mardle will give punditry, Warriner’s name and face was not included in the announcement.
As a result, it took the two-time PDC World Championship semi-finalist very little time to share his grievances with ITV.
Sharing the video, he wrote: “It would have be nice/professional after 20 years service with ITV to at least be told I have been thrown in the gutter. Good Luck to everyone. #VeryPoor I shall be from this point reviewing everything I do.”
However, one eagle-eyed darts fan was quick to point out that Warriner said goodbye to the broadcaster at the end of 2025, sharing his previous post, which read: “But you did know because you posted this back in November…”
The post in question from Warriner read: “Thanks for 18 years of fun @ITVSport in a sport I love. Tough day when you know it’s your last, but what a show to bow down with. Good Lick Everyone..”
The Daily Star have approached ITV for comment.
The PDC agreed a three-year extension with ITV in October, allowing darts fans to enjoy free-to-air coverage with the broadcaster until at least 2028.
As a result, ITV will continue to televise a number of high-profile events, including but not limited to the World Masters, the UK Open and the Players Championship Finals.
ITV will also broadcast all World Series of Darts global events. Joining Graves, Partington, Webster and Mardle will be Mark Wilson and Dan Dawson on commentary duties. Glen Durrant will also offer punditry.
Speaking about his role, Graves took to X to write: “The secrets out… Delighted to announce I’ll be part of the @OfficialPDC lineup presenting the darts on @ITV. First up for me is the World Masters at the end of this month. See you there.”
Durrant, meanwhile, added: “Delighted to be involved in the new ITV team @OfficialPDC. Minehead UK Open will be a first for me. Great news.”
