Jacqui Oatley has revealed her departure from ITV after a decade-long tenure with the broadcaster. Known for her extensive experience as a commentator and presenter, Oatley has covered both football and darts for the terrestrial giant. Eighteen years ago, the 50-year-old broke barriers by becoming the first female commentator on BBC’s legendary programme, Match of the Day. She has maintained her association with the BBC, alongside ITV and Sky Sports, over the subsequent years.

However, it seems that Oatley’s relationship with ITV has come to an end following the conclusion of the Players Championship Finals. Having been a part of the channel’s free-to-air darts coverage for over a decade, she confirmed her departure on Monday, previously describing the news as “very sad”.

She shared on X: “Heading home for the final time from @ITVSport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team. First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout. Can’t express how grateful I am to have worked with such amazing people.

“The producers, led by Phil Heslop, are incredible, the directors, spotters, pundits, commentators, crew behind the camera, sound guys, graphics team, Jonesy (who tells me off for being an inch off my standing spot) – everyone. Always smiling while working hard – most of all, they care about the output.

“Because that’s what it’s all about: the viewer’s experience. We hope our genuine enjoyment came across. Back to football for me now but I’ll still be going to the darts. With pint in hand instead of a mic. Bye for now x.”

The broadcaster will persist in screening darts on ITV4 and ITVX, though the programming will now be managed by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom organisation. During the weekend, fellow commentator Stuart Pyke penned: “A sad day….after 17 years it’s the end of the road for ITV Sport on the [dart board emoji].

“The darts will continue on ITV but not with the brilliant team who it’s been a pleasure to work with….friends for life + hopefully going out with a bang at the Players Championship Finals.”

The network has also severed ties with seasoned cycling and darts commentator Ned Boulting, who posted on X on Sunday: “For a long time I have worked on the Tour de France and the PDC Darts for @ITVSport. Both those contracts have come to an end this year. Tonight is my last show. Thank you to all my colleagues over many years. It’s been a long association with one channel and means a lot.”

The channel will maintain coverage of competitions such as the European Championship Finals, Players Championship Finals and World Masters.

In the meantime, Sky Sports have secured a fresh five-year agreement to broadcast the World Championship, World Cup of Darts, Premier League and Grand Slam.

Earlier this month, ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, announced: “We are pleased to expand and extend our live darts coverage here at ITV Sport, as we look to keep the biggest events in professional darts free-to-air for the UK audience to enjoy. We have a great relationship with the Professional Darts Corporation and look forward to continuing our work with them into 2028.”

Adding to this, PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter stated: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ITV, with the new deal set to take our partnership beyond 20 years. With more buzz around darts than ever before, we are pleased to be able to deliver free-to-air coverage of so many of our popular events to UK fans.”