Wayne Mardle absent from PDC World Darts Championship ...

Wayne Mardle, the voice of darts, is mourning the tragic death of his wife, Donna.

Donna Mardle’s passing at the age of 52 following a short illness was announced on the eve of the PDC World Darts Championship.

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Wayne had been due to lead Sky’s coverage of the opening day of the World Championship on Sunday but was absent.

An emotional presenter Emma Paton said on air: "Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do here 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 this tournament. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, in our hearts, we love you very much and we will see you very soon."

Reigning world champion Luke Humphries sent his well wishes to Mardle following his opening match at Alexandra Palace.

He said: "He has been with Donna since he has been 14 years old, so it is a horrible, horrible thing for him to go through.

"My condolences to Wayne, he is one of the top, top guys in the world and no one deserves to go through this.

"Hopefully he knows all the players and the fans and everyone is here from him if he needs.”

Mardle has been the main voice of Sky Sports' coverage of darts for many years having been a successful player.

He gained further acclaim two years ago for his memorable commentary of the sport's greatest leg where Michael Smith hit a nine-dart finish in the final against Michael van Gerwen, who missed a double 12 on his own attempt at perfection.

Mardle exclaimed: "One man misses, does the other man get? I have never seen the like.

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"Come on Bully Boy. Yes! Double 12... That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can't speak, I can't speak."

Former player Mardle is not expected to be in attendance for any of the 2025 tournament which started on Sunday and ends on January 3.

Tributes have come pouring in for Donna, with the PDC saying in a statement: "All our thoughts and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, after the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week."

Record 16-time world champion Phil Taylor said: "So sad to hear of the passing of Donna Mardle thoughts and prayers go out to all the family."

ITV darts reporter Carl Fletcher posted on X: "Sorry to just hear on Sky Sports about the sad news of Donna Mardle passing away. Condolences to Wayne. More to life than darts."

Almost seven years ago, Wayne revealed on social media that Donna had overcome a battle with cancer.

The couple celebrated their 22-year wedding anniversary in the summer, with Wayne posting a tribute to his wife.

Earlier this year he tweeted: “On 30th April 1988 I asked Donna Hyde if she would be my girlfriend. She said yes, emphatically of course. Ha. Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary. To celebrate she’s p***** off to Gibraltar with the girls for a week.”