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Home / Sport

Darts bosses axe model walk-on girls from televised events

By Cheree Kinnear
NZ Herald·
27 Jan, 2018 04:01 AM2 mins to read

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Professional darts walk-on girls have been axed by PDC chiefs. Photo / Getty

Professional darts walk-on girls have been axed by PDC chiefs. Photo / Getty

Professional darts bosses have controversially axed model walk-on girls from major televised events.

The models, who escort players onto the stage and up the oche, have been a regular feature of the Professional Darts Corporation tournaments around the world.

The models are also used in the hugely popular world darts championships, which are held annually at the Alexandra Palace in London.

Read more: Formula One's 'outdated' use of grid girls under 'strong review'

However, according to the Mirror, PDC chiefs have confirmed that the walk-on girls would no longer be a part of any televised events in 2018 - all in the name of inclusive family viewing.

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The walk-on girls have been used regularly in hugely popular dart tournaments. Photo / Getty
The walk-on girls have been used regularly in hugely popular dart tournaments. Photo / Getty

"We regularly review all aspects of our events and this move has been made following feedback from our host broadcasters," a PDC spokesman said.

Read more: Fines handed down over sexual discrimination at international tennis match

Fans have since launched a petition to reverse the decision, which has already curated more than 4000 signatures.

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Professional dart player, James Wade, married his walk-on girl Sammi Marsh, three years ago.

World Champion, Raymond van Barneveld, also contributed his support for the petition in a recent Twitter post.

"I will really miss the girls! For me they are a part of the darts. Sign their petition so hopefully they can keep their jobs," he wrote.

I will really miss the girls !! For me they are a part of the darts. Sign their petition so they hopefully can keep their jobs @Charl0ttewood : https://t.co/FqhlOWY7tG https://t.co/YEpdtrwUqb

— Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) January 26, 2018

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