A well-known darts MC has revealed the heartbreaking reason behind his decision to step away from the sport following the World Darts Championship final between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen.
The iconic voice, who played a key role in building the atmosphere on some of darts’ biggest nights, confirmed that the showpiece final at Alexandra Palace marked the end of his career — not because of age or a lack of passion, but due to deeply personal circumstances.
Speaking candidly after the tournament, the MC explained that the emotional weight of the final, combined with struggles away from the stage, made it clear the time had come to walk away.
“This final broke me emotionally,” he admitted. “Not because of the darts — the standard was incredible — but because of everything going on behind the scenes.”
The Littler vs Van Veen clash was historic in its own right, featuring a record-breaking prize fund and two of the sport’s brightest young stars. But for the MC, it also became a moment of reflection, marking the end of a chapter he had dedicated years of his life to.
He revealed that ongoing personal issues, including the toll of constant travel and time away from loved ones, had become impossible to ignore.
“I’ve missed too much time with my family,” he said. “I’ve given everything to this job, and I don’t regret it — but there comes a point where you have to choose what matters most.”
The decision was not taken lightly. The MC described how he had battled with the choice throughout the tournament, but the emotion of the final ultimately confirmed what he already knew.
“When I introduced the players that night, I realised I didn’t want it to end — but I also knew it had to,” he explained. “That was my goodbye.”
Tributes quickly poured in from fans, players and fellow officials, many praising his contribution to the sport and the role he played in creating darts’ electric big-match atmosphere.
Both Littler and Van Veen were said to have personally thanked him backstage, acknowledging the impact his voice had on their journeys to the sport’s biggest stage.
While his time as a darts MC has come to an end, he made it clear that darts will always remain close to his heart.
“I’ll still be watching,” he said. “I’ll just be doing it from the other side now.”
As darts continues to enter a new era led by stars like Littler and Van Veen, one of its familiar voices has quietly stepped aside — leaving behind memories that will echo around arenas for years to come.
