Where are darts walk-on women now from beautiful TV star to calendar lingerie mannequin
It’s been seven years since the PDC controversially axed walk-on girls from the World Championship, and those stars now lead different lives, as Daily Star Sport looks at where they are now
They were a core part of darts; the walk-on girls dazzled and brought the heat to the biggest tournaments in the sport.
But the glamorous girls were controversially axed in 2018 following a sexism row, sparking outrage from players and fans alike as those women saw their lives turned upside down by the decision that left them out of work.
Forced out of their jobs and in search of new avenues of income, 48,000 people signed a petition calling for the girls to be reinstated. However, those calls went unanswered and it has remained the same ever since.
Dramatically, Formula 1 also dropped the use of grid girls just three days later, marking a seismic moment in sport as the growing clamour from some campaigners who claimed their roles objectified women grew louder.
Those stars have had to find new careers, and thanks to their legion of fans from their days walking to and from the stage, they were able to continue making a success of themselves.
Here, Daily Star Sport looks at where the PDC’s iconic walk-on girls are now.
Daniella Harper
Daniella starred as one of the most famous walk-on girls in the PDC, but she was forced to start a new journey following the PDC’s axing.
Continuing her model career, Daniella has launched calendars for over a decade, posing in racy lingerie. But she announced that the latest edition will be her last, teasing a new chapter in her life.
Daniella has survived numerous near-death experiences after her controversial dismissal. She suffered an almost fatal ectopic pregnancy, where doctors had just 15 minutes to save her life.
Tragically, when she fell pregnant again in 2017, she needed another emergency operation and lost her twin babies. Two years later she lost another child when a tube ruptured four months in.
Happily, she finally gave birth to her second child via IVF.
Sammi Marsh-Wade
As you may guess by the name, Sammi is still heavily involved with darts, but in a different role. That’s because she’s cheering on husband James Wade.
Sammi was a glamour model before joining the darts walk-on girl ranks, where she met ‘The Machine’. The couple wed in 2015 and welcomed their first son Arthur George shortly after marrying. Second son Alfred George arrived in August 2022.
Wade credits Sammi with being his biggest achievement, and she now works as his manager.
Charlotte Wood
One of the most recognisable walk-on girls, Charlotte had to find a new venture in life when the PDC axed her role.
The 37-year-old was hit heavily by the decision, saying: “When the darts ended, it took away a major part of my livelihood. Around 80 per cent of my income came from darts. After that, I had to explore different avenues.”
Thankfully, Charlotte forged a successful modelling career alongside best friend Daniella before quitting to focus on her wedding business project.
Jess Impiazzi
Italia Conti theatre school graduate Jess, who is an alumnus alongside Naomi Campbell, Kelly Brook and Daniel Mays, made her first walk into the spotlight during the 2014 World Grand Prix in Dublin.
Jess then delved into TV, appearing on Ex on the Beach, Celeb Big Brother and TOWIE before launching an acting career – featuring in BBC drama Strike and the movie Override.
The 36-year-old previously dated Jermaine Pennant for two years before giving him the boot after accusing him of spending the night with a dominatrix. She has since found love again with Formula E racer Sam Bird.
Hazel O’Sullivan
Hazel found fame when she entered the Big Brother house aged 24, but she now leads a quieter life as a WAG.
The now 36-year-old lives the life of envy in Thailand alongside former England international Andros Townsend and their two children Aria and Andros Junior. The two met at an event in London in 2013.
Hazel still works as a model and regularly posts snaps of her jetting off around the world.
Ali Drew
After making her debut as a walk-on girl at the Premier League in Cardiff in 2013, Ali’s career has gone from strength to strength.
The 35-year-old appeared on MTV show Ex on the Beach before becoming a regular on screen as a presenter and host.
She has been covering boxing, football, horse racing, rugby and the arrows.
