Walk-on girls were axed in 2018, but they're set for a comeback
It's been a whopping six-and-a-half years since we last saw the glamorous walk-on girls at the darts.
In 2018, the PDC made the sudden decision to ditch the tradition amidst claims of sexism. This move ignited a fiery backlash from both fans and players alike, with big names like Raymond van Barneveld joining tens of thousands in signing a petition to bring back the sidelined models.
Despite their efforts, it was all for nothing. However, on Monday, it was revealed that walk-on girls would be making a grand return... well, two of them at least.
As reported by Online Darts, Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree, two of the sport's most famous walk-on girls, will be making their comeback when Phil Taylor takes to the stage at the World Seniors Matchplay in October.
The duo have been appointed as ambassadors for the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) and are believed to have agreed to long-term partnerships with the tour. In anticipation of their return, Daily Star Sport has taken a look at what they, along with several of their former colleagues, have been doing in recent years.
Wood (left) was one of the sport's most iconic walk-on girls
Charlotte Wood was one of the most prominent walk-on girls before the role was axed. The 36-year-old formed an iconic partnership with colleague and friend Daniella Allfree, making them two of the most recognisable faces in the sport.
Charlotte Wood told us about the massive blow she felt when the PDC decided to axe the walk-on girls, saying: "When the darts ended, it took away a major part of my livelihood. Around 80 per cent of my income came from darts. After that, I had to explore different avenues."
Despite her success as a glamour model and amassing legions of fans on social media, in an exclusive chat with Mirror Sport, she couldn't hide her excitement about returning to the darts scene, saying: "I am very excited to be back as a walk-on girl," and reminiscing about the good old days, she added: "Before, when I worked at the darts we were with the players and the players' families a lot - it's all just like one big family."
Ali Drew made her walk-on girl debut in 2013
Ali Drew, the former walk-on girl who graced the darts scene back in 2013, has spilt the beans to the Darts Be Thy Name blog about her dazzling days on the oche. She gushed about her top moment being "standing just metres away from Phil 'The Power' Taylor as he played."
Since hanging up her walk-on heels, Drew has been busy making waves on MTV's Ex on the Beach and has turned her hand to sports presenting, including stints with Cardiff City and ringside at Conlan Boxing events. Not content with just that, she's also the boss of a dog fashion line and is killing it on Instagram with legions of followers.
Hazel O'Sullivan met Andros Townsend while working as a walk-on girl in 2013
Hazel O'Sullivan, another former face of darts glamour, traded the walk-on life for WAG status after hooking up with footie ace Andros Townsend. The Irish stunner was a crowd-pleaser before the PDC decided to scrap the walk-on girls.
She and Townsend, who met when he was at Tottenham, hit it off at an O2 Arena bash in 2013 and have since welcomed two kids, Aria and Andros Junior, into their family. While they tend to dodge the spotlight, O'Sullivan did have a stint on Big Brother's 14th series. Meanwhile, Townsend, now 33, is still smashing it at Luton Town post-relegation, and O'Sullivan continues to dazzle as a model.
ASTON VILLA forward Jhon Duran left fans in stitches with his pitchside antics during Wednesday's Champions League clash with Celtic.The 21-year-old stayed on the bench throughout the match but kept TNT Sports viewers entertained with his facial expressions.Jhon Duran clocked the TNT Sports camera during Aston Villa's match against CelticNever change, Jhon Durán 🤣📺 @tntsports & @discovery...
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez is working to repair his relationship with Valentina Cervantes after it was claimed that a team-mate tried to seduce her.Fernandez and Valentina are believed to be attempting to reconcile after it was said the two were seen being affectionate in London last week. It emerged that the stunning brunette remained in London and hadn't flown back to Argentina with their two c...
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD headed out for a curry with new girlfriend Estelle Behnke.The stunning brunette braved the cold as she put on a leggy display for their date in Manchester.Trent Alexander-Arnold was pictured with new girlfriend Estelle BehnkeThey enjoyed a date night together in ManchesterEstelle stunned in a short black dressEstelle showed off the outfit in a selfie picture on InstagramThe ...
CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez is trying to repair his romance with Valentina Cervantes after discovering an Argentina team-mate was trying to seduce her, it was sensationally claimed today.The pair sparked reunion rumours last week after reportedly being spotted kissing and holding hands in London.Enzo Fernandez is ‘trying again with Valentina Cervantes after an Argentina team-mate tried to ma...
A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City's Champions League clash.The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.A merchandise van caught fireEmergency services put out the fireAnd things got off the a dramatic start when a larg...
JUSTIN KLUIVERT has emerged as one of the most impressive players in the Premier League in recent weeks.The Bournemouth star has sprung into the limelight having found a golden touch in front of goal.He is dating stunning TikToker Shanna TaihuttuKluivert, 25, has managed 11 goals in 25 league games this season but his best game came against Newcastle.The attacker netted a hat-trick at St James' Pa...
A LALIGA footballer and his wife reportedly had a gun pointed at them during an armed robbery of their home.Athletic Bilbao forward Alex Berenguer, 29, and model Sofia Jem were targeted at their villa in Mungia, in the Basque country, on Monday night.Spanish footballer Alex Berenguer and his wife Sofia Jem were victims of an armed robbery attemptAccording to El Correo in Spain, three armed men wea...
RUBEN AMORIM has been seen for the first time with wife Maria Joao Diogo in Manchester.The Manchester United manager was spotted with his partner as they headed out to celebrate his 40th birthday.Ruben Amorim was spotted with wife Maria in WilmslowAmorim, 40, had joked that he felt closer to 50, having been in post at Old Trafford for two months.He has been married to the interior designer since 2...
ENGLAND ace Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner is in talks for a huge ITV reality show, The Sun can reveal.Insiders said Annie is a top target for Celebrity Big Brother - with the booker for the ITV series asking her reps to name their fee.Annie Kilner is a top target for Celebrity Big BrotherA source said: "ITV have approached Annie's team about her taking part in the upcoming series of Celebrity Bi...
ASHLEY COLE and Peter Crouch partied alongside their Wags as they enjoyed a luxury skiing holiday.The two former England stars were joined by their wives Sharon Cole and Abbey Clancy on their trip to Verbier in Switzerland.Cole's wife Sharon shared a snap of them ready to hit the slopesCrouch and wife Abbey Clancy were all smiles at a luxury restaurantThe couples hit the slopes and the dancefloor,...
- 1 Kerkez and £83m ace join as Salah signs
- 2 Enzo 'trying to fix romance with childhood sweetheart'
- 3 'exciting' Betis on signing Man Utd flop
- 4 Napoli confirm Garnacho interest
- 5 LaLiga ace Alex Berenguer & model wife ‘have gun pointed at them’
- 6 Kyle Walker’s wife in talks with ITV for HUGE reality show
- 7 Fresh Lauryn Goodman claims rock Kyle Walker’s marriage
- 8 Transfer news LIVE
- 9 Ashley Cole, wife Sharon, Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy on luxury skiing holiday
- 10 Meet Jude Bellingham's new model WAG