Van der Voort urges patience on 'top bloke' MC Lewis Jones but understands criticism: "If it doesn't improve, you can always give him the boot"

The absence of John McDonald at the PDC is being felt. The 66-year-old Master of Ceremonies stepped down after the last World Darts Championship, and his successor, Lewis Jones, doesn’t seem to have fully won over the crowd yet. That’s what ex-pro Vincent van der Voort says in the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast.

“He’s made a few mistakes…,” laughs Van der Voort. Host Damian Vlottes then lists them: Jones referred to the Bahrain World Series, when of course it was the Bahrain Darts Masters. Gian van Veen was described as a World Championship semi-finalist, even though he played the final. And “Michael Mighty van Gerwen” isn’t quite right either, according to Van der Voort.

The duo acknowledge that succeeding McDonald is no easy task. “Those are big shoes to fill, it’s insane,” says Vlottes. Van der Voort adds: “You also shouldn’t try to imitate him, you have to create your own style. That’s very difficult.”

Still, Van der Voort isn’t calling for a change of MC just yet. “He’s a top bloke too, I really mean that. A bit hyper, but you can really have a laugh with him. Truly a great guy. Just give him a couple of months. If it doesn’t improve, you can always give him the boot,” says the Dutchman with a smile on his face.

On social media, Philip Brzezinski, who often does the Euro Tours, is being floated as a possible replacement. Van der Voort, however, doubts whether the PDC would go for that: “It can’t be that they’re the only two who can do it.”

The discussion gives Van der Voort an idea: “Everyone send your entry to the PDC,” he suggests. Vlottes responds that it can go to the podcast first, but Van der Voort immediately corrects him: “No, straight to the PDC. I’ll sort out Matt Porter’s email address (the big boss. Then everyone has to send him a video. With their best John McDonald impression.”

The idea causes plenty of hilarity. “We’ll drive him completely mad. He’ll get that before my birthday,” says Van der Voort as both men crack up. “We’ll come back to it next week,” he adds. Vlottes signs off: “Then I’ll never get in there again.” Van der Voort is clear: “Yes, that’ll be the end for you.”