It has been seven years since the iconic walk-on girls were a permanent fixture on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) stage. Their roles were controversially discontinued in 2018 following accusations of sexism, a move that sparked significant backlash from fans and players. Despite a petition and support from legends like Raymond van Barneveld, they have not returned to official PDC events. However, some familiar faces made a notable comeback in 2024. Here's what happened to some of the most prominent figures from that era.
Life After the Oche: New Careers and Comebacks
The decision to remove the walk-on girls had a profound impact on the women involved. Charlotte Wood, now 37, revealed that darts had constituted around 80% of her income. She described the axing as taking away a major part of her livelihood, forcing her to explore different avenues. Alongside her colleague Daniella Allfree, also 37, Wood has since become a long-term ambassador for the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT). The duo made a one-off return at the World Seniors Matchplay in October 2024 when Phil Taylor played.
Beyond exhibition events, Wood has built a diverse portfolio. She has featured in commercials for major brands like Colgate, DFS, and Simple skincare, and has worked on television shopping channels such as Ideal World and QVC.
Daniella Allfree has also embraced her WSDT ambassador role while pursuing other ventures. She recently launched her 2026 lingerie calendar, announcing it will be her tenth and final edition. Notably, this is her first solo calendar, as Wood stepped back to focus on other business interests. Allfree maintains a strong social media presence and has worked with retailers like Asda, Matalan, and Superdry.
From Darts to Diverse Spotlight: Media, Acting and Management
Other former walk-on girls have charted successful paths in entirely different fields. Ali Drew, 35, has forged a major career in sports media and entrepreneurship. She is now a regular presenter for boxing events on DAZN and reports on her hometown club, Cardiff City FC. Drew gained wider fame on MTV's Ex on the Beach and founded Animal Attire, a dog fashion brand inspired by her own pet.
Jess Impiazzi, 36, has successfully transitioned into acting. She has appeared in the BBC drama Strike: Troubled Blood and films including Override. Impiazzi also co-hosts the podcast Let's Clear the Air and is working on a new movie titled Jitters.
Some have remained connected to the darts world in new capacities. Sammi Marsh-Wade, 36, is now the manager of darts star James Wade, who is also her husband. Like Wood and Allfree, she serves as a WSDT ambassador and continues her work as a professional model, appearing on QVC.
Personal Paths: Family Life and Relocation
The career change led some to step away from the public eye. Hazel O'Sullivan shifted her focus to family life after beginning a relationship with footballer Andros Townsend. The couple, who have two children, recently relocated to Thailand following Townsend's transfer to Kanchanaburi Power, keeping their private life largely out of the spotlight.
The legacy of the walk-on girls remains a poignant chapter in darts history. While the PDC has not reversed its 2018 decision, their influence endures through the World Seniors Darts Tour and the diverse, successful careers they have each built since leaving the stage.
