Sky Sports Darts presenter and Radio X DJ Polly James has issued a defiant response to online critics who have targeted her for her prominent body art.
"It goes over my head": James on handling negativity
The 38-year-old broadcaster from Cardiff has seen her profile soar as a leading reporter for Sky Sports, notably conducting numerous interviews with PDC stars during the recent World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. With that visibility, however, has come unwelcome attention focused on a large rose tattoo spanning her shoulder, upper chest, and neck.
In an exclusive conversation with the Mirror, James addressed the criticism head-on. "I do get a lot of crap about the neck tattoo," she stated. "More so now, but that is because there are more eyes on darts, but it goes over my head."
She made a clear distinction between comments on her appearance and her professional work. "Say what you like about my appearance, I do not give a... but please don't criticise my work, because that really hits hard and that generally doesn't happen," James emphasised.
From fan to front-line presenter
James's journey in darts began 16 years ago in 2009 as a spectator at Ally Pally, where she quickly developed a deep passion for the sport. She initially hesitated to merge that personal interest with her career.
"My first time I started working at the darts, it was one of those things where I didn't know if I wanted to mix pleasure with work," she explained. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she was approached to conduct post-match interviews for the Premier League, leading to her role with Sky Sports the following year.
Her main occupation remains as a weekday afternoon host on Radio X, but her sports broadcasting role has become increasingly significant. James expressed a particular affinity for the sport's inspirational narratives. "I really like the rags to riches story in sport... I like to find out their reasons why these amazing people who were from down the road from me, their journeys and how they got to become world champion."
A darts fan at heart
Despite her professional position, James insists she remains a dedicated fan at her core. "I get on with a lot of darts people, I am in such a privileged position to do what I do, but I don't want to lose sight of what it is like to be a darts fan," she said.
"I am on their side, I am not on the other side, so to speak. I just have an incredible role to play. I think darts is one of the most charming sports in the world."
She highlighted the unique, inclusive atmosphere that defines major darts events. "You've got grandma and grandpa sat together in the crowd, then you've got a group of 20-year-old lads. You don't get that at any other sports."
Concluding, James reflected on her enduring connection to the sport. "I get asked quite often what I like most about the darts and you know what, it is something that you cannot explain too much. I grew up with it, I enjoyed it, I clicked with it and now I can't ever see it not being in my life."
