Darts fans have declared Christmas has officially arrived after Ricky Evans made his annual Christmas-themed walk-on at the Ally Pally on Friday
Darts fans have declared Christmas has officially arrived as Rapid Ricky Evans brought some festive cheer to the Ally Pally.
Evans, one of the famous venue’s chief entertainers, rocked up to the stage wearing Christmas-themed gear – including a hat shaped like a tree and some Christmas glasses. He also reverted to Paul McCartney’s hit “Wonderful Christmastime” for his music.
And fans flocked to social media to declare that Christmas had arrived thanks to Rapid. One fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It’s not Christmas until Ricky Evans walks on to the stage!”
“You just KNOW the darts is back when Ricky Evans does his Christmas walk on,” a third posted. As a fourth said: “Officially that time of year!”
And another added: “The only player who is ever allowed to walk on to a Christmas song. This is legendary!”
Rapid lived up to his name and came out of the blocks flying, putting distance between himself and Man Lok Leung early in the match. And despite slowing down towards the end of the clash, he still won 3-0.
“I thought I was quite good there but I played like a pillock at the end! I’m so good but then towards the end I go ‘oh God, please Man Lok don’t hit this’.”
However, the interview then took a turn as Rapid declared he hates Christmas and took aim at gravy: “Gravy is the devil, if you go to a chicken shop you don’t order gravy.”
It was an emotional win for Evans, who lost his sister, Elisha, earlier this year: “Christmas will be a little different this year,” he admitted while holding back tears after the match.
It could be James Wade next for Evans, as he’s due to the play the winner of the Machine’s clash with Japanese star Ryusei Azemoto.