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.
Grealish declared 'she's not with me' as he left Chiltern FirehouseKieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon was situated between themGrealish looked to be in good spirits just a day after coming off injured in City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.And the ex-Aston Villa star was spotted leaving the popular celeb hangout as a mystery woman walked behind him.Another man, believed to...
HE has wiped the slate clean after leaving Manchester for a new life abroad.And it appears that Mason Greenwood is enjoying his fresh start in France, where he is said to have put his party lifestyle behind him and become a “homebody”.Mason Greenwood and partner Harriet have just welcomed a second daughterThe striker - who was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in ...
A look at the intense work in the gym and her athletic figureGeorgina RodriguezGeorgina Rodríguez is turning heads once again, and this time, it's all about her stunning transformation. The model and influencer has been hitting the gym harder than ever, and her latest workout clips prove she's committed to staying in top shape. Whether it's for herself, her career, or keeping the spark alive ...
Cristiano Ronaldo was sport's top earner in 2024Not a single female athlete features in the top 100 spots in a newly published list of sport's highest earners in 2024.The list does, however, demonstrate the spending power of the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the pile thanks in no small part to the mega-money deal he signed with Al-Nassr during the 2022-23 season, while fellow Saudi-base...
Everton's shirt sponsor Stake have been the centre of a sex stunt probeA sex stunt by adult star Bonnie Blue has seen Everton's shirt sponsor leave the UK.Everton's front-of-shirt sponsor Stake has given up its license in Great Britain after an investigation. Stake's logo was on screen during a social media video shot outside Nottingham Trent University where Bonnie was there "as promised" to - in...
The striker welcomed a second daughter with partner Harriet Robson earlier this week.Greenwood and partner Harriet RobsonThe couple celebrated the birth of their first child Summer in July 2023.A source said: "They are both delighted with the safe arrival of their second child. They are really enjoying living in France and are enjoying the simple things."Mason is performing well on the pitch and t...
Neal Maupay is a notorious troll and he has once again left football fans in stitches with a brutal response to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes over an infamous incidentNeal Maupay took a savage dig at Paul Scholes after the Manchester United icon joked the former Brighton star "takes the p***".The feisty French striker, currently on loan at Ligue 1's Marseille from Everton, is no stranger t...
THIS guy needs no introduction – it’s Sergio Agueroooo.Man City legend. Premier League icon. Messi’s mate. Maradona’s son-in-law (previously). And now . . . Porsche racing driver.Turns out Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero is a bit handy behind the wheelA Porsche 99X accelerates faster than an F1 carTurns out the Argentinian striker is a bit handy behind the wheel and will ...
JOHN ARNE RIISE has completed an incredible 24-hour treadmill run.The former Liverpool star covered an astonishing 106 miles during the daring challenge.He covered 106 miles in a 24-hour running stintRiise, 44, is a cult hero at Anfield and was a part of the side that won the Champions League in 2005.He retired from playing back in 2023 and has now completed his toughest challenge.The Norweigian t...
CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racially abusing a cop after branding him "f***ing stupid and white" in a drunk row.The 31-year-old was out with her partner - fellow footballer Kristie Mewis - when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window.She was out with her fiance - fellow footballer Kristie Mewis - at the time After the pair refused to pay a clean-up fee, the dr...
