SKY SPORTS have paid heartfelt tributes to the wife of darts presenter Wayne Mardle who died this week aged 52 after a short illness.
Presenter Emma Paton broke the sad news of Donna’s death live on television on Sunday, ahead of the opening night of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.
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Wayne Mardle’s late wife DonnaCredit: https://x.com/Wayne501Mardle
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Donna has been described as ‘the heart of Wayne’s World’
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PDC shared their condolencesCredit: x
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Mardle has been married to Donna since 2002. Credit: Getty
Mardle – who played in five world semi-finals on the BDO and PDC circuits – was set to be one of the main figures on Sky TV’s Ally Pally coverage this Christmas.
But he was absent from the first day of this year’s tournament for compassionate reasons.
And it is understood that he will not be part of the commentary team – in which he is an integral voice – for the foreseeable future.
Paton fought back tears as she said: “If you’re a regular Sky Sports Darts viewer, you’ll notice that Wayne isn’t here with us tonight.
“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 remember Donna during this tournament. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts, we love you very much. And see you very soon.”
Luke Littler led the tributes, writing on Instagram: “Thinking of you Wayne.”
While darts legend Phil Taylor said: “So sad to hear of Donna Mardle’s passing, thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.”
The PDC said: “All our thoughts and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, following the death of his wife Donna earlier this week.”
Almost seven years ago, Wayne revealed on social media that Donna had passed her battle with cancer.
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Donna with their dog Sherlock
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Tributes poured in online
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The couple has been together since 1988
The 51-year-old posted on his X account: “I don’t normally tweet personal stuff but I have to tell the world that my wife Donna is now CANCER FREE!!! We are so happy. #BEATEN.”
On July 24, 2024, Wayne posted a tribute to his wife on their 22nd wedding anniversary.
Mardle, who was nicknamed the Hawaii 501 in his playing days, said: “The 30th. April 1988 I asked Donna Hyde if she would be my girlfriend.
“She said yes, of course, of course. Ha.
“Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary. To celebrate, she went to Gibraltar for a week with the girls.”
Mardle shot to global fame during the 2023 World Finals when he commented on Michael Smith’s thrilling nine-dart finish against Michael van Gerwen.
He screamed “I CAN’T TALK” – and even lost his voice – after reporting the best leg of all time.
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