Presenter Jacqui Oatley has announced her departure from ITV Sport after a decade, following the broadcaster's decision to stop producing its own PDC darts coverage from next year. The 50-year-old is among those affected as Eddie Hearn's Matchroom company takes control of the broadcasting, though some content will remain free-to-air on ITV4 and ITVX.
Oatley shared her farewell on X, writing: 'Heading home for the final time from ITV Sport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team. First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout.' She expressed gratitude to the production team, producers, directors, and crew, adding: 'Always smiling while working hard - most of all, they care about the output. Because that's what it's all about: the viewer's experience.'
The European Championship Finals, Players Championship Finals, and World Masters will continue to air for free under the new arrangement. However, no announcements have been made regarding the new presenting team, and Oatley's statement suggests she will not be involved. Sky Sports has also renewed its deal for the World Championship, Premier League, and other tournaments for another five years.
Oatley joined ITV Sport in 2015, anchoring football shows on ITV4 and hosting coverage on the main channel. She previously freelanced for the broadcaster, presenting FA Cup and Africa Cup of Nations coverage. In 2007, she became the first female commentator on BBC's Match of the Day, an experience she later described as 'isolating' after it sparked nationwide debate. She was awarded an MBE in 2016.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter welcomed the extended partnership with ITV, saying: 'With more buzz around darts than ever before, we are pleased to be able to deliver free-to-air coverage of so many of our popular events to UK fans.' ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane added: 'We are pleased to expand and extend our live darts coverage here at ITV Sport, as we look to keep the biggest events in professional darts free-to-air for the UK audience to enjoy.'
