Sky Sports Pundit Mark Webster Takes Temporary Break from Broadcasting Duties in the UK Due to Personal Medical Condition

Sky Sports pundit and former darts star Mark Webster is taking a temporary step back from his broadcasting duties due to a personal medical condition, according to a statement from his management.

The 42-year-old Welshman has been a familiar face on television since retiring from professional darts in 2019, covering events including the Premier League Darts and the PDC World Championship.

Webster’s condition has not been made public, and his representatives have asked for privacy during this time.

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From ‘The Spider’ to TV Screens

Webster, nicknamed “The Spider” during his playing days, enjoyed a glittering darts career.

He captured the BDO World Championship in 2008, defeating Simon Whitlock in the final, and climbed as high as World No. 6 in the PDC Order of Merit.

He reached the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship twice but was knocked out by legends Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis.

Webster also claimed a ProTour title in 2010 and was runner-up at the Players Championship Finals in 2011, cementing his status as one of Wales’ finest dart players.

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Battling Dartitis

Webster’s professional career came to an early end in 2019 due to dartitis, a condition often compared to the ‘yips’ in other sports, where players suddenly lose the ability to perform basic movements.

Reflecting on his struggles, he recalled a 2017 UK Open fourth-round match against Daryl Gurney as a pivotal moment.

“One of my real meltdowns was at Minehead,” he told the Tops and Tales podcast.

“I was in tears. I told Daryl, ‘We need to finish this.’

It ended 10-4 to him, and I knew I couldn’t continue like this.”

The loss caused Webster to miss the World Championship for the first time and triggered a decline in his ranking, marking the beginning of the end of his competitive career.

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Rediscovering Passion Through Commentating

Despite the struggles on stage, commentating has allowed Webster to reignite his love for darts.

He told Monarch Water in 2022: “At first, I was a little bitter that I couldn’t play, but now I love it.

Being able to be with friends and watch the sport keeps me involved, and I see some great talent coming through.”

Since retiring, he has become a respected voice in darts commentary, combining insider knowledge with enthusiasm, and mentoring younger players from the booth.

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What’s Next?

Webster’s break from broadcasting is expected to be temporary, but no timeframe has been given.

Fans and colleagues have expressed support, and Sky Sports confirmed that arrangements are being made to cover his commentary duties in the meantime.

Observers say the break may also give Webster a chance to focus on his health while remaining connected to the sport he helped popularise.

Those following his career anticipate a return once he has recovered, likely bringing renewed energy and insight to darts coverage.

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Summary

Mark Webster, former Welsh darts star and Sky Sports pundit, is taking a short break from broadcasting due to a personal medical condition.

The 42-year-old, nicknamed “The Spider,” enjoyed a celebrated playing career including a 2008 BDO World Championship win and a ProTour title in 2010 but retired in 2019 after battling dartitis.

Commentating has since reignited his passion for the sport, and the break is expected to be temporary, with Sky Sports making arrangements to cover his duties while he focuses on his health.