Stephen Bunting reveals his unusual phobia and admits it was caused by a childhood incident that still haunts him

Stephen Bunting is ready to stir things up on the oche — even if he still won’t go anywhere near a swan.

The world No.7 will attempt to reclaim the Winmau World Masters title he lifted two years ago when the tournament gets underway on Thursday night. But while Bunting, 40, is fearless on the darts stage, he has admitted to carrying a lifelong phobia of swans after a childhood mishap that left a lasting impression.

The story came to light during a recent Paddy Power prank, sparked by Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton, when a fake interviewer jokingly quizzed Bunting about a supposed fear of geese. Unbeknown to them, they accidentally hit very close to home.

Laughing about the moment, Bunting said:
“I had no idea what was going on and couldn’t work out how they’d found out about the swan incident.

“I was really young and we’d gone to Lake Windermere as a family. I was eating an ice cream and a swan just came over and took it off me.

“I’ve been scared of swans ever since. That ice cream cost my mum and dad three quid, and I’ve never had an ice cream near swans again. I avoid them at all costs if I can.

“I love Liverpool, so I like the Liver bird — but none of them have ever robbed my ice cream!”

Bunting will now be hoping for sweeter memories at Arena MK as he chases more success at the World Masters. When he lifted the trophy in 2023, his celebrations became even more memorable — his partner gave birth exactly nine months later.

The Bullet has never denied that the victory was celebrated in style.

Away from darts, Bunting is also keeping a close eye on his beloved Liverpool, even as the club searches for consistency.

“I think we still need to stick behind the team no matter what,” he said. “I’ve heard stories about links to Luis Enrique and that Xabi Alonso is available as well, but whatever I say won’t make any difference.

“I don’t want to add more pressure. I saw Virgil wasn’t happy about the booing the other day, and I understand the fans’ frustration.

“I watched the Burnley game in a bar in Bahrain. In the first half we dominated, but ending up with a draw isn’t the Liverpool way.

“We don’t seem as attacking anymore and we sit back after going 1-0 up. Things need to change.

“Letting Marc Guehi go to Manchester City for £20 million isn’t something we’d have done last year, so I don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes or whether the board are backing Arne Slot in the transfer market.”

For now, though, Bunting’s focus is firmly on darts — and making sure no swans are anywhere near the stage.