Prominent sports broadcaster Laura Woods has publicly detailed an accidental kiss shared with darts icon Steve Beaton, widely known as “The Bronzed Adonis,” following an interview during her tenure at Sky Sports. The unexpected encounter, which Woods described as a moment of miscommunication, occurred when a routine handshake evolved into an inadvertent embrace and a peck on the lips with the former BDO world champion. The incident has since become a memorable, albeit initially mortifying, anecdote in her distinguished career.
Beaton, a celebrated figure in the world of darts, has long been recognized not only for his impressive skill on the oche but also for his distinctive appearance, which earned him his enduring moniker. Woods, reflecting on the incident during an appearance on the “Happy Hour” podcast, candidly spoke about Beaton’s status as a “heart-throb” within the sport, acknowledging the unusual nature of the interaction given his public persona and her professional role.
The awkward moment unfolded as Woods concluded her interview with the veteran darts player. As she extended her hand for what she intended to be a customary handshake, Beaton reportedly leaned in for a hug, initiating a sequence of misaligned movements. This simultaneous action, where Woods then instinctively moved for a kiss on the cheek, resulted in the unintended lip-to-lip contact, catching both parties by surprise.
Woods vividly recalled her immediate reaction, describing a feeling of profound embarrassment and disbelief, akin to having “poisoned” a revered figure. Upon returning to the production truck, she shared her mortification with colleagues, expressing her distress over the accidental contact, recounting the sensation of “feeling his beard.” Despite the initial shock and red-faced discomfort, Woods now approaches the memory with a degree of humour, stating she “revels” in the unique and frequently recounted anecdote.
Beyond this memorable personal incident, Laura Woods has firmly established herself as one of the UK’s most recognised and respected sports presenters. Her career trajectory saw her make a significant transition from Sky Sports, where the Beaton incident took place, to a prominent and leading role at TNT Sports in 2023. In her current capacity, she serves as a lead presenter for high-profile events, notably spearheading coverage of major boxing bouts and the prestigious UEFA Champions League, demonstrating her versatile expertise across elite sporting disciplines.
Woods’ influence extends beyond television broadcasting; she also made a considerable impact on sports radio, notably co-hosting the popular talkSPORT breakfast show for an extended period before her departure in the summer of 2023. Her dynamic and engaging presentation style, combined with insightful commentary, has cemented her position as a leading female voice in a traditionally male-dominated industry, earning her widespread acclaim and a significant following among sports enthusiasts.
Steve Beaton, the other central figure in the memorable encounter, concluded his illustrious professional darts career in 2024, leaving behind a legacy spanning several decades. A consistent and popular presence on the professional circuit, Beaton’s career highlight remains his triumph at the BDO World Darts Championship in 1996. His enduring appeal, characterised by his distinctive stage entrance and consistent performance, ensured his status as a fan favourite throughout his extensive competitive years.
In her personal life, Woods recently celebrated a significant milestone with the birth of her son, Leo, earlier this year, alongside her fiancé, reality television personality Adam Collard. This joyous occasion arrived after a period of considerable personal challenge for the couple, as Woods had previously experienced the heartbreak of a miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant, a deeply personal struggle she has shared publicly.
Collard, known for his appearances on the reality series “Love Island,” later reflected on the profound impact of the miscarriage during an emotional appearance on “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.” He candidly discussed his struggle with self-blame, admitting to linking the tragedy to what he perceived as “bad karma” from past actions in his public life, a sentiment he has openly expressed a desire to move beyond.
