Walk-on girls were axed by the PDC in 2018, but they're set to make a comeback. It's been six-and-a-half years since we last saw walk-on girls at the darts. Back in 2018, the PDC abruptly scrapped the tradition amid accusations of sexism. Their decision sparked a fierce backlash from both fans and players, with the likes of Raymond van Barneveld joining tens of thousands in signing a petition to reinstate the marginalised models.
Their efforts, ultimately, were in vain. But on Monday, it was announced that walk-on girls would be making a triumphant comeback... two of them at least. As revealed by Online Darts, Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree, two of the sport's most prominent walk-on girls, will be returning when Phil Taylor competes at the World Seniors Matchplay in October. The pair have been hired as ambassadors for the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) and are understood to have agreed long-term partnerships with the tour.
Charlotte Wood was one of the most prominent walk-on girls before they were cut. The 36-year-old formed a standout partnership with colleague and friend Daniella Allfree, making them two of the sport's most recognisable faces. Wood told the Daily Star that the PDC's decision to drop the models had a huge impact on her, revealing: '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.'
Much like Wood, Daniella Allfree saw her earnings vanish overnight when the PDC made the controversial decision to eliminate the walk-on girls in 2018. The brunette bombshell, 32, has stayed active as a model and made frequent appearances at darts exhibition events (often alongside Wood). The pair also teamed up for a raunchy 2023 calendar, which sold out in two days flat, while Allfree offers personalised video messages to her fans.
Ali Drew first stepped into the role of a walk-on girl back in 2013. Reflecting on her time as one of darts' glamorous faces, she told the Darts Be Thy Name blog that the highlight was 'standing just metres away from Phil 'The Power' Taylor as he played.' Drew later gained wider recognition by starring in the third season of MTV's hit show Ex on the Beach and has since transitioned into sports presenting, working with Cardiff City and covering boxing events such as Conlan Boxing.
Hazel O'Sullivan swapped her walk-on girl career for life as a football WAG after getting together with Luton Town winger Andros Townsend. The 35-year-old Irish beauty was a fan favourite on the darts circuit before the PDC axed the walk-on girls. She met Townsend back when he was a Tottenham player, at an event at the O2 Arena in 2013. The couple quickly connected and now share two children, Aria and Andros Junior.
