"We have known each other for years, but I think we have grown particularly close this year": Huw Ware lauds special friendship with Nathan Aspinall

Huw Ware has named George Noble the greatest darts referee of all time. The Englishman, who drew a line under his illustrious career earlier this year, leaves a legacy that is barely matchable, according to Ware. Ware himself made history as the first openly gay referee to officiate a World Championship final, taking charge of the 2025 World Championship decider between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Ware was full of praise for the man who was a mainstay on the big stages of both the BDO and the PDC for years. He sees Noble as the benchmark for how a darts referee should operate after he recently retired.

“In my personal opinion, George Noble. George’s voice, first of all, is absolutely unbelievable for darts calling. I have learned so much from him in terms of how you referee a game of darts."

According to Ware, a darts referee should not be the focus, but quite the opposite. "The old saying is a sign of a good caller is when you don’t notice them. I think George epitomises that. The way his voice matched the rhythm of the game.

Noble was known for his calm and authority on stage, even in the most high-pressure moments.

“His command of the stage, the way he deals with the crowd and the way he has dealt with issues between players. His authority, I just think he had a wonderful career both in the BDO and PDC. I think he is the greatest caller we have ever had.”

Noble, nicknamed ‘The Puppy’, moved to the PDC in 2007 and has since been part of numerous historic moments. In 2009, he was on stage at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace when Raymond van Barneveld hit the first nine-darter in PDC World Championship history against Jelle Klaasen.

A year later, Noble made history again when Phil Taylor produced two perfect legs in a single match during the 2010 Premier League final against James Wade – a unique feat at the highest level.

Alongside his admiration for Noble, Ware also spoke candidly about his friendship with Nathan Aspinall. According to Ware, the Englishman played a key role in launching his podcast Tops and Tales. “Off the board, Nathan Aspinall. I adore Nathan. I think he is a lovely lad. Obviously a great darts player, but he is a great guy as well."

Their bond has only grown stronger recently. “I love him. We have known each other for years, but I think we have grown particularly close this year, actually. My podcast that I started as an audio series — he was one of the very first people to come and record it. We actually did that back at the World Masters last year. I am so grateful to him and everybody that did that for the first series.

Ware looks back on that period with great warmth. “They had no idea what they were in for and what I was going to ask them. But they all came and did it. Nathan’s episode is actually one of my favourites. Even aside from that, he is a great guy and I love him.”