Luke Littler sends classy message to Wayne Mardle as popular darts commentator returns after tragic passing of his wife

Luke Littler sent an emotional message to Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle after he returned to his role on Thursday. The 51-year-old - who is one of the most famous commentators in darts - came back for the first night of the Premier League after missing the World Championship following the tragic passing of his wife Donna, aged 52, after a short illness. He joined Rod Studd behind the microphone for Michael van Gerwen's quarter-final clash against world champion Littler in Belfast.

Following the end of the game, the former darts player - who played between 1993 and 2011 - took to X to share the enjoyment of returning, saying: 'I needed that,' with a love heart emoji. Many fans were quick to reply with supporting comments, and one of them was 18-year-old Littler, who, despite a 6-5 loss to the Dutchman, sent a classy message an hour later. The darts wonderkid wrote: 'Great to have you back,' while tagging Mardle on X.

English darts player Luke Littler sent a classy message to Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle. The 51-year-old commentator returned to his role on Thursday following a break due to his wife's passing. Great to have you back @Wayne501Mardle❤️ https://t.co/FWxORL71UV. His return was also acknowledged by fellow darts stars Luke Humphries and Rob Cross, who sent their own personal tributes to the popular commentator.

The passing of Mardle's wife was made public on the opening night of the World Championship in December. Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton announced at the start of the programme: '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. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts, we love you very much. And we will see you very soon.'. Sky Sports Darts' X account followed by sending their 'thoughts, prayers and condolences' to the pundit. But Mardle was back in Belfast and chose the perfect game for his return as Littler and Van Gerwen played out a thriller, with the Dutchman prevailing in a final-leg decider.

The expectations for the match were high after the 35-year-old Dutchman branded his English rival a 'baby' for oversleeping and arriving 45 minutes late to a pre-game photoshoot on Wednesday. Sky Sports presenter announced Mardle's wife's passing due to an illness in December 2024. English darts players Luke Humphries and Rob Cross also sent classy messages to the pundit. Sky Sports would like to send their thoughts, prayers and condolences to our commentator Wayne Mardle, following the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/iy2CN59XCP.

He said: '45 minutes late, you mean. They need to stop treating him like a baby. He's not a baby anymore, he's 18-years-old now. 'It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It's a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions. Simple as that.'. 'If he turns up late for an interview, I don't mind! But seven other people are waiting for him. That's not very nice, is it?'.