Wayne Mardle reportedly set for new-look ITV coverage after end of an era at Players Championship Finals

Wayne Mardle reportedly will appear on ITV's new look darts coverage next year after the conclusion of the current production contract in what was the end of an era for the channel.

As per The Sun, Mardle is the preferred choice to lead events on the channel in 2026. This comes after at least Jacqui Oatley and Ned Boulting have confirmed they will not be returning next year penning emotional posts about their long tenures working on the coverage which ended after 17 years this weekend.

For the others involved, it is more of an open book likely. Chris Mason has worked for both talkSPORT and on PDC productions previously including the European Tour fairly recently likely paving the way for 'Mace the Ace' to potentially still be involved.

Others such as Mark Webster and Dan Dawson work for Sky Sports anyway so both could realistically be retained given they have also both done World Series events which for some time have been produced by Matchroom giving a bit of a glimpse into the potential way the coverage will be set going forward. While Stuart Pyke indicated he wouldn't be returning and would continue with Sky Sports instead.

But according to the report, this will not signal the end for Mardle when it comes to his Sky Sports work so he will double up if this is confirmed. 'Hawaii 501' has become the voice of darts in the past decade and has been part of many moments including the Greatest Leg of Darts of all time which saw both Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen on nine-dart finishes.

Smith hit it and it coined the phrase: "I can't spake" and also other such moments as him losing his voice when Jose de Sousa hit three double 20's in the 2021 Premier League. But his contract with Sky is reportedly non-exclusive albeit he will be preferred on the channel so he will give priority to their coverage which features the World Darts Championship and Premier League. Albeit he can work with other broadcasters.

It will all likely become clear in early 2026 when the Winmau World Masters takes place in Milton Keynes. Other events on the calendar include the UK Open, European Championship, World Series of Darts Finals and Players Championship Finals. All don't tend to clash with the Sky Sports coverage and offer broadcasters like Mardle the opportunity to work for both.

Whether he heads up the coverage in a Emma Paton role or is merely a pundit and commentator like he is on Sky Sports remains to be seen but it is certainly set to be a new era with a bit of the familiar sprinkled in too.