After the news of Dave Clark stepping down after 18 years hosting darts on Sky Sports, Nigel Pearson will take the reigns for the World Matchplay, it has been revealed.

Pearson is a familiar voice to darting fans through his work for Sky Sports and Talksport; now he will take up hosting duty from the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.

He reflected on the announcement and said he was 'honoured' to replace Clark: “It’s an emotional time for us all after Clarky’s announcement. I feel like the caretaker manager taking over until told otherwise. I’m honoured to hold the fort & look forward to nine great nights of action.”

Laura Turner will once again be involved in the coverage after successful stints at the Grand Slam of Darts and PDC World Championship.

Wayne Mardle though will not with 'Hawaii 501' revealing earlier today that his mum is unwell; so he won't be in Milton Keynes over the next week.

It all kicks off on Saturday night with a bumper first round line-up; featuring Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsDarts/status/1284122588688592896?s=20