Darts veteran Alan Warriner has publicly accused ITV of a “very poor” and unprofessional dismissal from their darts coverage team, sparking controversy among fans. Warriner, who has been a familiar face on ITV’s darts broadcasts for two decades, claims he was not directly informed of his departure before the broadcaster unveiled its new lineup for the 2026 PDC season.
The PDC recently shared a video on social media showcasing the presenters, pundits, and commentators who will be involved in their upcoming season on ITV. The announcement featured Pete Graves and Gabbie Partington in presenting roles, with Mark Webster and Wayne Mardle providing punditry. Notably absent from the featured lineup was Alan Warriner.
This perceived snub led Warriner to express his deep dissatisfaction. He shared the PDC’s announcement video on his own social media, accompanying it with a scathing message. “It would have be nice/professional after 20 years service with ITV to at least be told I have been thrown in the gutter. Good Luck to everyone. VeryPoor I shall be from this point reviewing everything I do,” Warriner wrote, clearly feeling undervalued and disrespected by the broadcaster.
However, the situation took a turn when an observant darts fan pointed out that Warriner had himself announced his departure from ITV Sport in November, suggesting he was aware of the impending change. This fan shared a previous post from Warriner that read, “Thanks for 18 years of fun @ITVSport in a sport I love. Tough day when you know it’s your last, but what a show to bow down with. Good Lick Everyone..”
What is the new ITV darts lineup for 2026? The new lineup for ITV’s darts coverage includes Pete Graves and Gabbie Partington as presenters, Mark Webster and Wayne Mardle as pundits, and Mark Wilson and Dan Dawson on commentary. Glen Durrant will also be offering punditry.
This discrepancy between Warriner’s public accusation and his previous statement has created a complex narrative around his exit from ITV. The Daily Star has reportedly approached ITV for comment on the matter, seeking clarification on how the situation was handled.
The PDC recently solidified its partnership with ITV, agreeing to a three-year extension in October. This means that free-to-air darts coverage will continue with the broadcaster until at least 2028. The renewed deal ensures that ITV will continue to televise significant events such as the World Masters, the UK Open, and the Players Championship Finals.
Furthermore, ITV’s coverage will extend to all World Series of Darts global events, providing fans with extensive access to the sport’s international circuit. The inclusion of new faces and established personalities aims to bring a fresh perspective to the sport’s broadcast.
New presenters and commentators are enthusiastic about their roles. Pete Graves expressed his excitement on X, stating, “The secrets out… Delighted to announce I’ll be part of the @OfficialPDC lineup presenting the darts on @ITV. First up for me is the World Masters at the end of this month. See you there.”
Glen Durrant also shared his positive outlook, adding, “Delighted to be involved in the new ITV team @OfficialPDC. Minehead UK Open will be a first for me. Great news.”
The controversy surrounding Alan Warriner’s departure highlights the sensitive nature of talent management and communication within sports broadcasting. Fans will be watching closely to see how ITV addresses these accusations and how the new lineup performs in the upcoming season.
How to understand darts punditry? Darts punditry involves experienced players or commentators analyzing the game, offering insights into player strategies, techniques, and the psychological aspects of the sport. They often provide context on past performances and predict future outcomes.
The future of darts coverage on ITV appears to be in capable hands, with a blend of experienced broadcasters and fresh talent. However, the lingering questions about Warriner’s exit will undoubtedly remain a talking point for some time.
Why is Alan Warriner upset with ITV? Alan Warriner is upset with ITV because he claims he was not directly informed of his dismissal from their darts coverage team after 20 years of service, feeling he was “thrown in the gutter” without professional courtesy.
Is the PDC World Championship covered by ITV? The PDC World Championship itself is not exclusively covered by ITV. Other major events like the World Masters, UK Open, and Players Championship Finals are covered by ITV as part of their deal with the PDC.
The narrative surrounding Warriner’s exit underscores the importance of transparent communication in professional relationships. While the PDC has secured a long-term broadcasting deal, individual personnel changes can sometimes lead to public disputes.
What is the difference between a presenter and a pundit in darts? A presenter guides the broadcast, introduces segments, and interviews guests, while a pundit offers expert analysis, opinions, and insights into the game based on their experience and knowledge of darts.
Fans of the sport will be eager to see how the new ITV team navigates the upcoming darts season, with the shadow of this recent controversy providing an interesting backdrop.
Best darts coverage for beginners 2026: For beginners looking for the best darts coverage in 2026, ITV’s broadcasts of major tournaments like the UK Open and World Masters offer accessible commentary and analysis that breaks down the game effectively, making it easier to follow and understand.
The ongoing discussion about Warriner’s departure will likely continue to be a topic of conversation within the darts community, adding another layer of intrigue to the sport’s media landscape.
How to improve darts commentary? Improving darts commentary can involve more in-depth statistical analysis, engaging storytelling about players’ journeys, and ensuring a balance between technical explanation and fan-friendly excitement. Diverse perspectives from former players can also enhance the quality.
Ultimately, the focus for ITV will be on delivering high-quality darts coverage that appeals to both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport, despite the recent public disagreement.
What is the PDC? The PDC, or Professional Darts Corporation, is one of the two major governing bodies for professional darts. It organizes major tournaments and sanctions professional players worldwide.
The dynamic between broadcasters and their talent is always evolving, and this situation with Alan Warriner and ITV serves as a reminder of the public scrutiny that accompanies such changes.
How to watch PDC darts for free? The PDC darts can often be watched for free through broadcasters like ITV in the UK, which holds rights to several major tournaments. Streaming services that offer live TV channels might also provide access without a separate subscription to a sports-specific service.
Ultimately, the success of ITV’s darts coverage will be measured by its ability to engage viewers and provide compelling broadcasts throughout the 2026 season and beyond.
Why is darts so popular? Darts is popular due to its accessibility, the intense mental and physical skill required, the exciting unpredictability of matches, and the passionate fan culture that surrounds the sport, often amplified by lively event atmospheres.
As the 2026 PDC season approaches, all eyes will be on ITV’s coverage and how they manage their talent roster following this public dispute.
What is a darts treble? In darts, a treble is a segment on the dartboard that multiplies the score of that segment by three. For example, hitting the treble 20 segment scores 60 points.
