Wayne Mardle was hit by tragedy earlier than World Championship as Sky Sports star makes return
Darts legend Wayne Mardle is back at the World Darts Championship following a tough year
Beloved pundit Wayne Mardle has returned to the World Darts Championship following his absence from last year’s tournament due to heartbreaking circumstances.
Just before the 2024/25 showpiece began, it was confirmed that Mardle’s beloved wife of 22 years, Donna, had died after a brief illness. Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton delivered the tragic news to viewers during the opening evening.
She said: “If you’re a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne isn’t with us this evening. Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do 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 the tournament. Wayne you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts and we love you very much. We will see you soon.”
The darting community was quick to honour Donna’s memory and offer support to Wayne. Phil Taylor, Mardle’s former rival and 16-time world champion, posted on X: “So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle, thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.”
As expected, Mardle was absent for the remainder of the tournament, which saw teenager Luke Littler claim victory. He made his comeback to Sky Sports coverage in February for the Premier League and has since delighted audiences with his cheerful commentary and expert analysis throughout the year.
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
The PDC World Darts Championship gets underway on December 11 and fans can watch every match exclusively live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
He’s made a much-anticipated comeback to the Alexandra Palace commentary box for the 2025/26 World Championship. Speaking about his return before the tournament kicked off, he told the Daily Mail: “I am excited to be amongst it. I have been part of every World Championship since 1998, apart from one. It is an exciting time for the sport.”
Mardle, who memorably lost his voice while commentating on Michael Smith’s nine-dart finish during the 2023 final against Michael van Gerwen, reckons the sport has never been stronger.
This year’s World Championship is the biggest ever staged. A massive field of 128 competitors began their quest for the unprecedented £1m winner’s cheque from the enormous £5m prize pot. It’s a world away from Mardle’s playing days, but he insists today’s darting elite are worthy of such lucrative rewards.
He said: “I’ve been around longer than most and have seen the changes. With how good these players are, they deserve it.
“Darts is an industry now, and a huge industry at that. The punters who pay to watch it on TV and live are seeing sport played at the highest level. Some of it is unimaginable.
“I’ve played the sport to a level and some of it now is mesmerising. It’s wonderful to see.”
