‘I needed that,’ says Wayne Mardle after surprise return as Littler hails darts icon and fans gush ‘you’ve been missed’

WAYNE MARDLE made an emotional return to the commentary box for Thursday's Darts Premier League opener. The 51-year-old was on the mic for the first time since the tragic death of his wife Donna. Mardle had been away from the sport since Donna's shock passing was announced on December 15. The darts icon joined Rod Studd in the Sky Sports booth for two matches on Thursday night from Belfast. He called the action for Luke Littler's epic tussle with Michael van Gerwen, a repeat of the PDC World Championship final.

And he returned later in the evening to commentate on MVG's semi-final with World No. 1 Luke Humphries. An emotional Mardle later took to social media, writing: "I needed that". Mardle's return to the day job hadn't been previously disclosed by Sky Sports. And delighted viewers took to X to welcome him back to darts. One wrote: "What a match to return to, welcome back Wayne.". BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS.

Another said: "The return of the GOAT.". While a third added: "You have been sorely missed my friend.". And world champion Littler commented alongside a heart emoji: "Great to have you back @Wayne501Mardle.". Mardle, a former professional on the PDC, was known as Hawaii 501 during his playing career. He reached the semi-final of the World Championship in 2001 - a career highlight - but went down to the legendary Phil Taylor.

Mardle made his commentating debut in 2011 and has been a regular voice on darts ever since. His Sky colleague Emma Paton held back tears on tears as she delivered a touching tribute to Donna. Night 1 - The SSE Arena, Belfast - Thursday February 6. Night 2 - OVO Hydro, Glasgow - Thursday February 13. Night 3 - 3Arena, Dublin - Thursday February 20. Night 4 - Westpoint Exeter - Thursday February 27. Night 5 - The Brighton Centre - Thursday March 6.

Night 6 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham - Thursday March 13. Night 7 - Utilita Arena, Cardiff - Thursday March 20. Night 8 - Utilita Arena, Newcastle - Thursday March 27. Night 9 - Uber Arena, Berlin - Thursday April 3. Night 10 - AO Arena, Manchester - Thursday April 10. Night 11 - Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam - Thursday April 17. Night 12 - M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool - Thursday April 24. Night 13 - Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1.

Night 14 - First Direct Arena, Leeds - Thursday May 8. Night 15 - P&J Live, Aberdeen - Thursday May 15. Night 16 - Utilita Arena, Sheffield - Thursday May 22. Play-Offs - The O2, London - Thursday May 29. The 52-year-old passed away days before the World Championship in December following a short illness. Paton said: "If you are a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne is not here with us this evening.

“Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do here at Sky Sports Darts. “But the heart of his world, his wonderful wife Donna, sadly passed away earlier this week after a short illness. “We will be remembering Donna throughout this tournament.". It was an opening night to remember for Humphries on stage, as the new Masters champ thrashed Chris Dobey 6-1 in the final. Cool Hand Luke said: "I think this is the hardest Premier League for a long, long time.