Key Highlights
- Emma Paton’s rise from dressing as a nun at Ally Pally to becoming the face of darts.
- Paton will appear more times on TV over Christmas than other stars, highlighting her role in Sky Sports Darts coverage.
- The £1 million World Championship is set for Super Saturday, with Paton presenting the event.
- Her journey from a junior member of Sky Sports to becoming the main presenter showcases her hard work and dedication.
The Rise of Emma Paton: From Fan to Queen of Darts
In an exclusive feature, we explore the incredible journey of Emma Paton as she transforms from a fan dressed in a nun’s habit at Ally Pally into the face of darts on television. The path from her early days as a casual supporter to her current role as a major player in the sport is nothing short of remarkable.
Early Days: A Nun’s Habit at Ally Pally
Paton’s story begins in an unlikely setting, where she and her best friend dressed up as nuns for a night out. “Oh, I’ve been to the darts before as a fan, yes,” Paton recalls with a laugh. “As a nun. Well, it was in a group of nuns. It was years ago.” This early experience at Ally Pally set the stage for her future involvement in the sport.
The Journey to Becoming Sky Sports Darts’ Main Presenter
Her journey from this casual fan to becoming the face of darts on television is a testament to hard work and dedication. Paton joined Sky Sports in December 2012, shortly after completing her Master’s degree in sports journalism. Her first major assignment came with the London 2012 Olympics, where she had the privilege of watching Usain Bolt claim his double gold medals from the front row.
From there, Paton worked her way up through various roles at Sky Sports, including writing and production positions before transitioning to presenting. She has since covered major events such as the US Open tennis tournament and presented Transfer Deadline Day, showcasing her versatility in the industry.
The World Darts Championship: A New Chapter
As Christmas decorations go up across the country, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the World Darts Championship. The event is set to feature 128 players competing for a share of the £1 million prize fund on Super Saturday. Paton will be at the heart of the action as she presents the championship, marking her first time in this role.
“I feel nervous anyway at finals,” Paton admits. “Maybe I’ll be even more nervous this time around.” She acknowledges that the added pressure and weight of the moment are likely to affect her nerves, but remains optimistic about the experience. “Whoever’s in that final will be, ultimately, just thinking about winning the world title. But I’m sure they’ll have thought about the money as well.”
The Future of Darts
Paton sees a bright future for darts, with the sport having experienced significant growth over recent years. “Over the last couple of years, darts has been elevated massively,” she says. “It feels like the interest has doubled, if not tripled.” The increased viewership and engagement on platforms such as Sky Sports support her view that the sport is gaining traction.
As the queen of Ally Pally, Paton’s role in promoting and presenting darts will continue to be crucial. Her experience and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the sport, and fans can look forward to more exciting coverage in the coming months.
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