Fallon Sherrock, the trailblazing darts player nicknamed the “Queen of the Palace,” has announced an emotional decision to take a break from professional darts in 2026 to prioritize her health, as reported by sources including The Sun and Metro. The 30-year-old, who made history in 2019 as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship, has been grappling with ongoing health challenges, primarily a kidney condition diagnosed after the birth of her son, Rory, in 2014. This condition, combined with the side effects of her medication, has significantly impacted her stamina and ability to maintain the rigorous practice schedule required to compete at the elite level.
In a heartfelt interview with Online Darts, Sherrock shared her struggles, saying, “All I want to do is practice at home for a couple of hours a day, and I can’t do that at the moment… I’ve had to narrow down what I’m playing in now, and that hurts because I love darts.” The physical toll of her condition, coupled with the emotional weight of online abuse and criticism over her appearance due to medication-induced “moon face,” has made her journey even more challenging. Despite these setbacks, Sherrock remains resolute, aiming to qualify for the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts and the PDC World Darts Championship before her hiatus. “I want to make a bang,” she declared, showcasing her determination to leave a mark.
Sherrock’s rise to fame was meteoric, with her 2019 World Championship victory over Ted Evetts earning her global recognition and a fourth-place finish in BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. She further solidified her legacy by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts. However, recent years have been tough, with health issues limiting her participation and performance. Her planned break in 2026 is a strategic move to focus on recovery, with hopes of returning stronger. “I just need to get myself well again, and then the sky is the limit,” she told Online Darts. Fans and peers alike admire her resilience, and the darts community eagerly awaits her comeback, confident that the Milton Keynes star will reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
