MANY darts fans were unhappy with Sky Sports’ coverage of Night One of the 2026 Premier League.
Luke Littler and Co headed to Newcastle to get the Prem back underway with a bang.
Excited viewers at home were left gutted when they realised that a key component of the coverage had changed.
Legendary master of ceremonies John McDonald retired aged 65 following last month’s World Championship final.
The charismatic star had been in the role since 2007 and brought plenty of energy to every arena he entered.
In his place in Newcastle was Lewis Jones.
Jones is no stranger to the role, having worked afternoon sessions during the World Championship, as well as last year’s Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals.
But many fans were left pining for McDonald, with one calling the coverage “horrendous”.
While another said it was “flat and absolutely awful”.
A third posted: “I miss John McDonald so much.”
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And another added: “Darts doesn’t sound right without John McDonald.”
But a further social media pointed out: “Lewis Jones isn’t even that bad honestly, he only looks bad because he isn’t John McDonald.”
The night got off to a surprising start, as Littler fell to Gian van Veen at the first hurdle.
Making his Prem debut, Van Veen stunned 2024 champion Littler 6-4 to move into the semi-finals.
