Wayne Mardle confirms Sky Sports plan as he opens up on ‘brutal’ death of wife
Former darts player turned much-loved commentator Wayne Mardle shared a heartfelt video on social media as he discussed his grief following the death of his wife Donna
Wayne Mardle has confirmed he’ll be part of Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League Darts on Thursday night after fan concerns over his wellbeing. The iconic darts commentator shared a brave and heartfelt video on social media opening up about the ‘brutal’ death of his wife.
Donna Mardle sadly passed away in 2024 aged 52 following a short battle with illness, with the pair married for 22 years at the time of her death. In an emotional video shared on TikTok, Wayne explained to fans how he was still dealing with the grief of losing his partner.
Mardle said: “This is a first for me, I’m having one of those days. This is the first of another genre of TikTok for me, I think you may even call it ‘GriefTok’ nowadays. Normally it is a bit of golf and a bit of darts. My wife Donna died on December 11, 2024, so about 430 odd days ago, I used to count the days, call that progress, call it what you like.
“It doesn’t feel like progress, it is absolutely brutal. The reason I’m doing this is, while it is brutal, I am still here and all you can do is keep trying, right, keep trying.”
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He continued: “It is a process, so I’m told and you go through stages. You don’t go through stages. You go through phases, there’s a phase and then there’s another phase. Before you know it that phase is returning so the stage or phase you think is going to pass, it doesn’t work that way.
“So however you’re feeling is how you’re feeling, don’t worry about it and when I say that I literally mean deal with it how you feel you want to deal with it, there’s no right or wrong here. I used to literally go everyday to Donna’s graveside. I haven’t been there for the past… well, since Christmas Day and it is now February 21.
“I don’t feel guilty, I just feel like I can’t do it because it beats me, beats me every time I go over there, you have a millisecond off of forgetting, right, that’s about it.
“But I just want to tell you all, that those who are going through similar, don’t overthink it, don’t double bluff yourself, just get on with it how you think is right and the people who question you are not your friends, they’re not your family, they have a perception of grief, it’s incorrect.
“It’s just brutal, it really is brutal but all I’m saying to all of you is, if I can help one person, I’m not even helping myself here, I don’t know what I’m doing, just do it how you want to do it, don’t overthink it, please don’t. I hope tomorrow is better than today.”
Fans were concerned for Mardle after sharing his emotional message, with many wishing him well. Aston Villa defender Matty Cash was among those who sent comments, saying: “Legend mate, stay strong x.”
Another user said: “We’re all with you, the best commentator in darts,” and another added: “What a guy, to be this vulnerable, we love you Wayne, you are not alone, no one will ever replace Donna, but a lot of people love you.”
The three-time PDC majors runners-up took time to reply on X, confirming he’d be part of Sky Sports‘ commentary team for this week’s Premier League Darts in Belfast. The 52-year-old said: “I’ve had a many messages and texts over the last hour or so. I’m ok. I assure you, you’ll hear me spouting absolute tripe as usual on Thursday at the Premier League. Loves!”
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