"I must have something about gingers... I’ve had Prince Harry watching me, now Ed Sheeran” - Stars come out to see Stephen Bunting at the Ally Pally

Stephen Bunting got his 2025 PDC World Darts Championship off to a winning start at the Alexandra Palace on Friday afternoon. Recovering from a set down, Bunting fought back to defeat Kai Gotthardt 3-1 in front of a special guest in the Ally Pally crowd.

After a some what sluggish start from 'The Bullet' in the opening set, the reigning Masters champion, who is considered by many to be a dark horse for the World Darts Championship title, levelled up in set 2 via a deciding leg, before racing towards the finish line with a much improved performance in sets 3 and 4.

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Afterwards though, Bunting's main topic of discussion was global music superstar Ed Sheeran who seemed to enjoying himself in the crowd at the Alexandra Palace during the afternoon session. “I had a few ‘bad habits’ in that game,” Bunting quipped afterwards, cheekily mentioned one of the singer's hits when questioned about Sheeran by Sportsboom in his post-match press conference. “My manager told me earlier that he was here, and I was shell-shocked.”

“I must have something about gingers. I’ve had Prince Harry here before watching me, now Ed Sheeran," added Bunting with a smile. “It’s amazing. I’m a massive fan of his as well, even though he supports Ipswich, he’s sound.”

Bunting in action

“I’m surprised he’s not coming in to disrupt the interview, to be honest,” Bunting joked, making a reference to Sheeran's recent appearance on Sky Sports Football during Ipswich Town's (the team minority-owned by Sheeran) in their Premier League match with Manchester United at Portman Road. “But it would’ve been really nice to meet him.”

Although Bunting himself didn't get the pleasure of a meeting with Sheeran, his son in the crowd was lucky enough to share a moment with the superstar. “I’m a massive fan of his music. I’ve got some of his songs flying through my head,” Bunting says. “My lad had a few moments with him, which he’ll tell me on the way home. We need high-profile people coming to watch us. It really does spur us on when we’re on that stage."

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