ITV make embarrassing blunder seconds into World Masters darts coverage as fans get first look at new line-up
ITV made an awkward gaffe while introducing their brand new line-up of darts presenters and pundits.
The broadcaster has pinched former Sky Sports anchor Pete Graves to lead their darts coverage, with his new gig starting at the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes tonight.
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ITV misspelled Pete Graves’ name within seconds of Thursday’s broadcast
ITV have put together a brand new line-up of darts presenters and punditsCredit: Getty
But within seconds of the broadcast starting, his name appeared incorrectly on screen as “Pete Greaves”.
It wasn’t the ideal start for the 43-year-old, who had expressed his excitement about making his debut earlier in the day.
He wrote on X: “A new era begins tonight… I’m presenting the darts live for @OfficialPDC.
“The Winmau World Masters is live on ITV4 from 7pm and streamed live on ITVX and PDCTV. All the big names in action. Tune in!”
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Graves has taken over from Jacqui Oatley, who left after the Players Championship Finals last November.
And he has big shoes to fill as the popular Oatley spent more than a decade in the role.
Graves will share presenting duties with Gabbie Partington – a regular at World Series of Darts events throughout the season.
SunSport revealed earlier this month that Partington is pals with fellow ITV host Laura Woods.
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Another Sky regular has also been snapped up, with Wayne Mardle joining the team.
Five-time World Darts Championship semi-finalist Mardle is one of the regular big hitters for Sky at the Ally Pally – as is Dan Dawson, who is also part of the new ITV commentary set-up.
Mark Wilson, Chris Mason and Mark Webster complete the cull of familiar darting faces.
A bumper line-up of World Masters matches will see Gary Anderson, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen all in action on Thursday.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will enter the fray on Friday as the sport’s big guns chase down the title won by ‘Cool Hand’ 12 months ago.
