“I was jealous in many ways, thinking, ‘Oh, there’s my team’" – Emma Paton praises ITV broadcasting after new production setup

Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton has praised the refreshed TV approach of the Winmau World Masters. The darts reporter, the face of Sky Sports’ darts coverage since 2022, watched ITV’s production with interest and openly expressed her appreciation for the new setup.

The tournament broadcast was fronted by Pete Graves, with analysis from former professionals Wayne Mardle, Mark Webster, and Chris Mason. Behind the scenes, Polly James handled player interviews, while Dan Dawson did the previews and Marc Wilson provided commentary.

According to Paton, the revamped presentation gave the tournament a different feel. ““I thought it was brilliant,” she told Weekly Dartscast. “I thought there was definitely a sort of fresh feel. I think they delivered a really good product. I like the different presenting positions. Of course, I love the personnel."

Paton indicated that the choice of Graves as presenter did not surprise her. “I’ve known Pete for a long time and he’s probably been presenting Sky a lot longer, maybe double the time. So, I always knew that was going to be a good move and a really sort of solid and safe pair of hands." She also expects Graves to settle quickly into the role. “I also knew he’d really enjoy it once he got started, because I think he probably didn’t really know what to expect. I think he might become a new cast."

Paton was also positive about the makeup of the analyst team. “I think we all knew as well putting Wayne and Mason together, it was always going to work, wasn’t it? They’ve got different views on things." She also praised the contribution of Webster and Dawson. “Then throw in Webby and Dan, who are just incredible at what they do."

Although Paton herself is the face of darts coverage on Sky Sports, she enjoyed watching the competition. “I was jealous in many ways, thinking, ‘Oh, there’s my team,’ but I absolutely love watching them and just cheering them on and being a fan for a few days.”