Popular pundit Wayne Mardle has returned to the World Darts Championship after being absent from last year’s event. On the eve of the 2024/25 tournament, it was revealed that Mardle’s wife of 22 years, Donna, had passed away following a short illness. Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton broke the devastating news on the opening night.

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.”

Tributes poured in from the darts community and beyond, with messages of condolence flooding in for Wayne. Phil Taylor, Mardle’s former rival on the oche and 16-time world champion, wrote on X: “So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle, thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.”

Understandably, Mardle was absent for the remainder of the tournament, which saw teenager Luke Littler crowned champion. He made his return to Sky Sports in February for the Premier League, and has since been delighting fans with his enthusiastic commentary and expert analysis throughout the year.

He has returned to the Alexandra Palace commentary booth for the 2025/26 Worlds. Speaking about his comeback ahead of the tournament, 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 whilst commentating on Michael Smith’s nine-dart finish in the 2023 final against Michael van Gerwen, believes the sport is thriving.

The current World Championship represents the biggest edition in history. A total of 128 competitors began their quest for the unprecedented £1million top prize from the overall pot of £5m.

Whilst dramatically different from Mardle’s playing days, he insists today’s professionals are worthy of such 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.”