Emma Paton, one of the most recognisable faces of darts broadcasting, has admitted that the sport has become a huge part of her life, far beyond her television appearances. The former 400m runner, who fronts Sky Sports' coverage of major darts events, reflected on her unexpected journey into the sport.
From Track to Broadcasting
Paton's route into broadcasting was unconventional. After studying at Loughborough University, where she excelled on the track, she joined Sky Sports while completing a Master's degree in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University. Ironically, she transitioned from being a runner on the track to a "runner" at Sky Sports, before moving into online journalism and then production.
Her big break came from an unlikely source: WWE. A colleague working on the American wrestling company's shows invited her to a press event at the Royal Albert Hall, where she was encouraged to ask a question. She impressed WWE boss Triple H, who offered her an exclusive: the story of WWE's first all-women's pay-per-view, Evolution. A month later, she was invited to New York to cover the event for Sky Sports.
Darts Becomes Her Life
After moving into darts coverage, Paton found herself immersed in a sport that has since become a central part of her life. "When I joined, I felt lucky to have come into a sport that was really welcoming," she told Daily Star Sport, via Leasing Options. "I had a really great start to joining the darts community. But I still felt a bit removed from it all, whereas now darts is really my life."
She joked that she follows the sport well beyond her TV appearances, keeping tabs on players and competitions around the world, from the ProTour and European Tour to matches only on DartConnect. "I didn't think it would have that much of a grip on me, but here we are. I do love it."
Releasing Her Own Darts
That growing connection to the sport has even led Paton to release her own set of darts through her partnership with Winmau. The idea was initially floated by the manufacturer, who saw an opportunity to do something different. "I think it would be really cool if you brought some darts out, because typically it's players who have darts. So let's do something a bit cool and fun."
Paton described the process as fun, noting that unlike players, whose darts are an extension of their character, she had a clean slate. "It was a very fun process!"
Looking Ahead to the World Grand Prix
Paton will be back on TV screens soon as the majors come thick and fast, with all roads leading to the World Darts Championship. The next stop is Leicester, where players will descend on the Mattioli Arena for the World Grand Prix and its unique double-in format.
Luke Littler, the defending champion, will head into the event as the red-hot favourite. Paton urged fans to enjoy the generational talent, as the tide has started to turn against the teen. "I feel like fans just need to enjoy this sort of generational talent. We've literally never seen this before. In time, this could be looked back on as him at his peak, and that could be it. I think fans just need to chill a little bit and try and enjoy it!"
