The wife of darts legend Wayne Mardle has died. Just minutes before the Sky Sports live coverage of the annual PDC World Championship was set to get underway, presenter Emma Paton made the solemn announcement.

"If you are a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts you'll notice that Wayne isn't here with us this evening," she said.

"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'll be remembering Donna throughout this tournament. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, you are in our hearts, we love you very much, and we'll you very soon."

A four-time semi-finalist at Ally Pally, Mardle has since become a legendary figure in his role as commentator. His "I can't spake" speech during Michael Smith's 2023 final win over Michael van Gerwen has gone down in sporting folklore.

And since the tragic news broke, the PDC organisation themselves have paid tribute, writing on social media: "All our thoughts and condolences are with Wayne Mardle and his family, after the passing of his wife Donna earlier this week."

ITV Darts reporter Carl Fletcher also took to X, posting: "Sorry to just hear on Sky Sports about the sad news of Donna Mardle passing away. Condolences to Wayne. More to life than darts."

And fans also rallied around the man famously dubbed 'Hawaii 501', with @cdb1970 saying: "So saddened to hear this at the top of the programme. RIP Donna and my deepest condolences to Wayne and the whole Mardle family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all."

@180_lover50869 added: "Sending my deepest condolences to Mr Wayne Mardle and his family at this very difficult time but got to give credit to Emma Paton for delivering that sad news to us in a manner not many people could deliver that news in."

Donna, who was born in 1972, and Wayne have kept their personal lives private despite the 51-year-old's profile. But he broke trend back in January 2018, after his wife had overcome a bout of serious illness.

"I don’t normally tweet personal stuff, but I need to tell the world that my wife Donna, is now CANCER FREE!!!" he posted. "We’re so so happy."