Quick Read
- Gabbie Partington is the new lead presenter for ITV’s darts coverage starting in 2026.
- She replaces Jacqui Oatley, who concluded her decade-long tenure in November 2025.
- ITV extended its partnership with the PDC until 2028, covering major tournaments like the World Series and UK Open.
- Production duties for ITV darts broadcasts have been handed over to Matchroom.
- Partington, 32, brings extensive experience from previous darts events, golf, and football.
A new chapter is set to unfold for darts enthusiasts across the United Kingdom as ITV prepares for a dramatic overhaul of its coverage in 2026. At the heart of this transformation is Gabbie Partington, who steps into the spotlight as the network’s new lead presenter, marking a pivotal moment for the sport on free-to-air television. Her appointment signals a fresh direction, not just in front of the camera but also behind the scenes, as ITV deepens its commitment to bringing world-class darts to a broad audience.
The announcement comes as the sport gears up for the highly anticipated Bahrain Darts Masters, swiftly followed by the inaugural Saudi Darts Masters. These events will serve as the initial showcase for Partington’s leadership and the revitalized broadcast vision. This significant shake-up is underpinned by ITV’s decision to extend its partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) until 2028, ensuring that beloved tournaments such as the World Series, Winmau World Masters, UK Open, European Championship, and Players Championship Finals remain accessible to millions.
A New Voice for a Resurgent Sport
For a decade, Jacqui Oatley was the familiar face of ITV’s darts coverage, guiding viewers through countless thrilling moments. Her departure at the close of 2025, after an emotional farewell following the Players Championship Finals, left a void that Gabbie Partington is now poised to fill. Partington’s ascension to the lead role isn’t merely a personnel change; it represents a deliberate evolution in how ITV aims to connect with its audience, injecting a vibrant, contemporary energy into the sport’s presentation.
ITV has long carved out a crucial niche in the UK’s sports broadcasting landscape, offering a free-to-air platform for some of darts’ most prestigious tournaments. While Sky Sports continues its dominance with flagship events like the World Championship, ITV’s carefully curated selection ensures that the pulse of professional darts remains strong and accessible on terrestrial television. This commitment is vital for the sport’s growth, drawing in new fans who might not subscribe to premium sports packages, and fostering a sense of community around these high-stakes competitions.
The extended partnership with the PDC until 2028 underscores ITV’s belief in darts’ enduring appeal and its potential for further expansion. This long-term commitment provides stability for both the network and the PDC, allowing for strategic planning and the continued development of innovative broadcast experiences. Viewers can look forward to uninterrupted coverage of key events that capture the drama, skill, and sheer excitement of top-tier darts, all under Partington’s new leadership.
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Partington’s Proven Path
Gabbie Partington is hardly a newcomer to the electrifying world of darts or the rigorous demands of live sports broadcasting. At 32 years old, she brings a rich and diverse resume to her new role, having honed her craft across various high-profile events. Her experience isn’t just theoretical; it’s rooted in active participation and direct engagement with the sport’s fervent fanbase.
Prior to this lead position, Partington notably fronted ITV’s coverage of the 2025 World Series events held in dynamic locations such as New York and Poland. These experiences provided her with invaluable insights into the global appeal of darts and the nuances of presenting from different cultural contexts. She’s also a familiar presence at major tournaments like the World Championship and World Matchplay, where her energetic personality is often seen on stage, skillfully engaging and ‘whipping up the crowd’ during commercial breaks. This hands-on interaction demonstrates her ability to connect directly with fans, a quality that will undoubtedly translate into a more engaging viewer experience.
Beyond darts, Partington’s versatility shines through her extensive portfolio. She has covered golf, showcasing her adaptability across different sporting disciplines. Her role as a matchday presenter for Wolverhampton Wanderers highlights her deep understanding of football’s passionate fan culture, while her contributions to talkSPORT speak to her prowess in sports commentary and analysis. This wide-ranging experience equips her with a unique perspective, allowing her to approach darts coverage with both professional insight and a relatable, human touch.
Adding a personal dimension to her public persona, Partington shares a close friendship with TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods. Their camaraderie, publicly celebrated through birthday wishes and social media exchanges, hints at the authentic, fresh energy Partington is expected to infuse into ITV’s broadcasts. As Woods affectionately put it, “Happy birthday my little darling,” this genuine warmth and connection are anticipated to resonate with viewers, making the coverage feel more personal and accessible.
A Strategic Overhaul: Matchroom’s Vision for Darts
The changes at ITV extend far beyond a new face in the presenter’s chair. A significant strategic shift involves handing over production duties for darts coverage to Matchroom. This move is monumental, as Matchroom now controls both the sport itself and its broadcast presentation, promising a more integrated and potentially innovative viewing experience. For years, the production team at ITV Sport developed deep bonds, and while darts will remain on the network, the look and feel are set for a considerable transformation.
This consolidation of production under Matchroom is expected to streamline operations and foster a cohesive narrative from the event floor to the television screen. It opens the door for fresh perspectives on graphics, camera angles, pre- and post-match analysis, and overall broadcast aesthetics. The aim is clear: to enhance the viewer’s journey, making every dart thrown, every cheer from the crowd, and every player interview feel more immediate and immersive.
The transition also brings a moment of reflection and gratitude for the legacy of Jacqui Oatley. Her decade-long tenure as the face of ITV’s darts coverage was marked by professionalism, warmth, and a genuine passion for the sport. Joining the network over ten years ago, she initially presented football, including Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, before becoming synonymous with darts. Her emotional farewell in November 2025, after the Players Championship Finals, was met with an outpouring of support from colleagues and the broader darts community. “Can’t express how grateful I am to have worked with such amazing people. Always smiling while working hard – most of all, they care about the output. Because that’s what it’s all about: the viewer’s experience. We hope our genuine enjoyment came across. Back to football for me now but I’ll still be going to the darts. With a pint in hand instead of a mic,” Oatley shared, encapsulating the camaraderie and dedication that defined her era.
Pundits, including Chris Mason, have echoed the sentiment of nostalgia for the friendships forged over years of collaboration, while also expressing optimism for the fresh direction under Matchroom’s stewardship. The anticipation surrounding the new look and feel of ITV’s broadcasts for the 2026 season is palpable, with fans eager to witness what innovations this strategic alignment will bring to their screens.
As the countdown to the Bahrain Darts Masters begins, all eyes are on Gabbie Partington and the new-look ITV team. The coming weeks promise to be a fascinating watch for fans and industry insiders alike, as the network embarks on this bold new chapter. The future of darts on ITV, while embracing a blend of tradition and innovation, looks both uncertain and exciting, ensuring the sport remains firmly in the spotlight for years to come.
The strategic decision by ITV to appoint Gabbie Partington and entrust Matchroom with production responsibilities represents more than just an operational change; it signifies a conscious effort to future-proof its darts coverage, aiming for a more dynamic, integrated, and authentically engaging experience that could redefine free-to-air sports broadcasting in the UK.