Wayne Mardle made his return to commentating duties at the darts for the first time on Thursday night after the tragic death of his wife Donna.
Usually appearing as a co-commentator for Sky Sports for their darts events, Hawaii 501 was back as the Premier League kicked off in Belfast.
Mardle was absent from the World Darts Championship, that happens over the Christmas period into the New Year, after his wife Donna tragically lost her life.
Sky Sports did not announce that he would return to his post in the commentary box ahead of the Premier League kick-off - much to the surprise of TV viewers.
Wayne Mardle was back at Sky Sports after the loss of his wife Donna
PA
But he was back to his jovial self in Belfast as he commentated on the star-studded clash between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen.
The match is a repeat of the World Darts Championship final, one that Littler won 7-3 to become the youngest world champion of all time at the age of 17.
Mardle is a fans favourite for his energetic commentary and hilarious quips, adding to the patrty atmosphere usually prevalent at the darts.
So when the news emerged that his beloved wife had died, it hit the darts fandom hard.
Prior to the World Darts Championship getting underway, Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton addressed viewers with the tragic news.
She said: "If you are a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne is not here with us this evening.
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"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, you are in our hearts, we love you very much. And we will see you very soon."
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Wayne Mardle missed the World Darts Championship as he grieved his wife
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Van Gerwen emerged victorious over Littler to claim some sort of revenge for losing the World Darts Championship earlier this year in a pulsating 6-5 win.
It also saw Littler's defence of his Premier League crown get off to the worst possible start as he crashed out early on Night 1.
That was despite an incredible showing of darts, including a 161 checkout from the Nuke - the highest of the night in the opening rounds.
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Revenge in Belfast 💪
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) February 6, 2025
Michael Van Gerwen beats Luke Littler, and look what it means 👏 pic.twitter.com/CVBj63BSxo
Van Gerwen won the game by landing double-eight to check out 25, having missed match darts at his last visit.
However, Littler could not land the 167 that would have seen him come back from 5-3 down - allowing MVG to return to the oche and stake victory.
It comes after a verbal tirade before a dart had been thrown when the Dutchman was not happy with Littler failing to turn up to a media event on time - leaving him and the rest of the Premier League cast waiting for 45 minutes.
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