After ten years of presenting and commentating across football and darts, Jacqui Oatley has announced that she is leaving ITV Sport.
The 50-year-old broadcaster has been a familiar face on the channel, hosting everything from Euro 2016 to the 2018 World Cup, as well as countless darts tournaments.
Her departure comes as ITV hands over the production of its PDC darts coverage to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom company next year.
A Decade of Memories on Screen
Oatley took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a heartfelt message about her final day at ITV Sport:
“Heading home for the final time from ITV Sport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team.
First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout.”
She went on to thank the many behind-the-scenes staff who made her work possible, from producers and directors to graphics and sound teams.
“Always smiling while working hard,” she wrote, “most of all, they care about the output.
Because that’s what it’s all about: the viewer’s experience.”
Oatley concluded with a touch of humour, promising that while she’ll step away from presenting darts, she’ll still be a fan—“with pint in hand instead of a mic.”
Changes to ITV Darts Coverage
ITV’s darts coverage is undergoing a shake-up.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom company will take over production from next year, although some tournaments such as the European Championship Finals, Players Championship Finals, and World Masters will remain free-to-air on ITV4 and ITVX.
So far, there has been no announcement of the on-air team, but Oatley’s statement strongly suggests she will not be returning as part of the coverage.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports has renewed its deal to broadcast other major darts tournaments—including the World Championship, World Cup of Darts, Premier League, and Grand Slam—for another five years.
A Trailblazing Career
Oatley joined ITV Sport full-time in 2015, anchoring football shows on ITV4 and the main ITV channel, having previously freelanced for coverage of the FA Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
She made history in 2007 as the first female commentator on the BBC’s Match of the Day, a milestone that brought both attention and challenges.
Oatley has openly discussed how isolating it felt to step into a role that was debated nationwide simply because of her gender.
Her career has spanned multiple networks, including Fox Sports for the 2022 World Cup, TNT Sports, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
She was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her services to broadcasting.
What the Future Holds
While ITV is shifting the direction of its darts coverage, Oatley’s wealth of experience makes her a sought-after figure for other broadcasters.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement about continuing the long-standing relationship with ITV:
“With more buzz around darts than ever before, we are pleased to be able to deliver free-to-air coverage of so many of our popular events to UK fans.”
ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane added:
“We have a great relationship with the Professional Darts Corporation and look forward to continuing our work with them into 2028.”
For now, Jacqui Oatley leaves a decade of memorable moments on screen, a legacy of breaking barriers, and a promise that her love for sports will continue—just in a slightly different role.
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