Darts coverage on free-to-air TV is getting a shake-up with a new production team and a stunning news presenter – who is close friends with Laura Woods
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
14:28, 09 Jan 2026Updated 14:37, 09 Jan 2026
Gabbie Partington will be fronting ITV’s darts coverage(Image: PDC)
ITV’s darts coverage will sport a fresh look in 2026 as a close friend of Laura Woods steps into the shoes of long-serving presenter Jacqui Oatley.
While Sky Sports broadcasts most of the major tournaments, ITV holds the rights to several high-profile events. The channel has maintained its position as the UK’s free-to-air broadcaster for darts, having agreed a new deal with the PDC that extends until 2028.
However, starting this year, TV coverage of these tournaments will be produced internally by Matchroom, the owner of the PDC. This shift has prompted several on-screen changes, including the introduction of new host Gabbie Partington.
Say hello to new face of darts on ITV(Image: gabriellapartington/Instagram)
Partington is no newcomer to the world of darts or the PDC, having previously presented ITV’s coverage of the World Series events in New York and Poland last year, will be at the helm for the upcoming World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
She’s often been spotted on stage at major darts tournaments, such as the World Championship and the World Matchplay, rousing the crowd during commercial breaks.
The versatile 32-year-old has also covered golf and snooker and served as a matchday presenter for Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2024, it was revealed that she had joined the presenting team of the World Snooker Tour (WST), which is also run by Matchroom.
Laura Woods and Partington at the latter’s birthday bash(Image: @laurawoodsy/Instagram )
Partington shares a close bond with TNT Sports presenter Woods, who was present at her mate’s birthday bash. In an Instagram snap featuring the duo, Woods wrote: “Happy birthday my little darling.”
Oatley had been the popular face of darts coverage on ITV for over 10 years before revealing her departure from the channel at the end of last year.
Following her final assignment, the Players Championship Finals in November, she shared on X: “Heading home for the final time from @ITVSport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team.
Partington has covered various sports(Image: gabriellapartington/Instagram)
“First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout. Can’t express how grateful I am to have worked with such amazing people.
“The producers, led by Phil Heslop, are incredible, the directors, spotters, pundits, commentators, crew behind the camera, sound guys, graphics team, Jonesy (who tells me off for being an inch off my standing spot) – everyone.
“Always smiling while working hard – most of all, they care about the output.
Jacqui Oatley, pictured with pundits Chris Mason (centre) and Alan Warriner-Little, has left ITV(Image: Instagram/@jacquioatley)
“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. Bye for now x.”
Fellow ITV stalwart and pundit Chris Mason posted about the changes ahead of the Players Championship Finals, writing: “One more event to do with the current team before production is put in the safe hands of Matchroom.
“18 years is a long old time to spend with colleagues that have become friends. Darts of course will be staying on ITV Sport but it’s going feel and look very different.”
