Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in televised darts! ITV is shaking things up with a major revamp of its darts coverage, bringing in exciting new presenters Gabriella Partington and Pete Graves. Fans can look forward to more action than ever before, as a new deal ensures all major tournaments, including the World Series and UK Open, will be available free-to-air until 2028. Plus, a fresh lineup of expert pundits and commentators, led by Wayne Mardle and Dan Dawson, promises unparalleled analysis and excitement.
Meet the New Faces of ITV Darts
ITV is ushering in a new era for darts broadcasting with a refreshed presentation team. Stepping into the spotlight is Gabriella Partington, who joins as a new presenter. Her first assignment will be hosting the high-stakes World Series double-header this month in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Joining her is the familiar face of long-standing Sky Sports presenter, Pete Graves, who will be on duty for the prestigious World Masters later this month. It appears both Gabriella and Pete will share presenting responsibilities going forward, with Gabriella also bringing her experience from golf, snooker, and pool coverage to the darts arena.
Expanded Free-to-Air Coverage: Darts for Everyone!
Last year, whispers circulated that ITV might lose the rights to these popular darts events. However, those concerns were put to rest with a significant new deal signed in October. This agreement is fantastic news for darts fans, as it guarantees that a host of major tournaments will remain free-to-air until 2028. This means more opportunities for everyone to enjoy top-tier darts action without a subscription.
The events included in this exciting new deal are:
- The World Series of Darts
- The World Masters
- The UK Open
- The World Series of Darts Finals
- The European Championship
- The Players Championship Finals
Expert Voices: New Punditry and Commentary Teams
To spearhead this new journey, ITV has assembled a stellar new team of experts to provide insights and commentary. Leading the punditry team is the charismatic Wayne Mardle. He will be joined by a strong lineup including:
- Glen Durrant
- Mark Webster
- Chris Mason
The commentary box will also feature fresh talent and experienced voices. Dan Dawson will lead the commentary lineup, bringing his expertise to the forefront. He will be joined by mainstays from the talkSPORT team, renowned for their coverage of the World Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League:
- Mark Wilson: Known for his commentary on the ProTour, Euro Tour, and World Series.
- Ian Danter: A broadcasting legend with over 20 years of experience, bringing his distinctive voice and deep knowledge to the coverage.
This comprehensive revamp ensures that ITV’s darts coverage will be more engaging, informative, and accessible than ever before, promising an exciting future for the sport on free-to-air television.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
