Walk-on girls to take to return to darts after role was axed in 2018

Walk-on girls are set to return to televised darts six years after being scrapped due to concerns over sexism.

Women dressed in revealing outfits had accompanied players to the ocre for more than 20 years - they have also featured in other activities including Formula One and poker tournaments.

Then in January 2018, it was announced that it was coming to an end, with a spokesman for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) saying at the time: 'We regularly review all aspects of our events and this move has been made following feedback from our host broadcasters'.

The move prompted a huge debate among fans, with some arguing that it was the right decision, and that featuring walk-on girls is a sexist and outdated concept. However, others argued that they are a traditional component of the game, adding that taking the job away from women was in itself sexist.

Some of the women themselves also voiced their opinion, with prominent walk-on girls Daniella Allfree saying it was a 'shame' that a 'minority...ended our job, like they're doing us a favour', and Charlotte Wood saying she thought the 'world had gone mad'.




Charlotte Wood (pictured, left) and Daniella Allfree (pictured, right)  seen during the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in 2017





Walk-on girl Kelly Donegan is pictured appearing at Party Poker's World Grand Prix in Co. Dublin in 2013

Player opinion was also split, with world number one Michael van Gerwen predicting - and supporting - the move, saying in an interview with AD Sportwereld: 'The PDC wants more people to see it as a sport. It does not interest me [walk-on girls]. It is just a sport.' 

Meanwhile, fellow player Raymond van Barneveld backed a petition calling for the decision to be reversed, saying: 'I will really miss the girls!! For me they are a part of the darts.'

Despite the debate surrounding its decision, it was reported that the PDC was unlikely to reverse the move, which it made with the backing of TV companies including Sky, the BBC, and ITV.

Appearing on This Morning when the decision was made, walk-on girls Daniella Allfree and Charlotte Wood debated feminist journalist Sally Howard, who said the practice is demeaning to women.

Sally argued that many women find the addition of walk-on girls offensive, pointing out that female viewers might find it 'demeaning' that 'this is their role in sports'. 

She added that they were merely there to serve a 'decorative' purpose, and that their only job is to look attractive for and make money for men. 

She told Daniella and Charlotte: 'It's great that you don't feel demeaned but by people watching you, families sitting there and watching you being in a decorative role, girls in that room might feel demeaned that this is their role in sports.'   

When asked how she felt about walk-on girls now losing their jobs as a result of the rule change, Sally said it was 'necessary'.




FANS: Walk-on girl Hazel O'Sullivan is pictured taking a selfie with a young fan during week eight of the Betway Premier League Darts in 2014

'Every social change has people who suffer from it,' she said.

'People suffered when Miss World came off air, people lost money from it, but it doesn't meant that the social change isn't necessary.

'It's fans who also support this, it's not all fans who are resisting it... There's a broad support.'

However, Charlotte and Danielle both said they loved their work.

Daniella told Sally: 'I can't think of a female job that's more safe. We've got security with us constantly. It's such a safe environment.'

'It's a very desirable job and we're very honoured to do the job,' Charlotte added. 'We feel we're a big part of the darts.'

Charlotte said that the group of walk-on girls are 'like a family' as they said they've had 26,000 people send them messages of support since the ban was announced.

Daniella went on: 'It's scary really where it's going to lead for this industry... It's really sad and very scary for what's going to come for the next generation.'

They women said they are 'comfortable' in the industry as they get to choose their own outfits and work closely with the sponsors.

In addition, many viewers disagreed with journalist Sally Howard's argument, with some pointing out that the women actually doing the job didn't find it demeaning.




Walk-on girls have featured in other activities beside darts, including Formula One and poker (pitcured L-R: Kelly Donegan and Hazel O'Sullivan at a Party Poker event in 2013)

One tweeted: 'If these women want to do be ''walk-on girls'' then let them. If they aren't being forced into it and are happy to do it, then what's the problem?'

Another posted: 'These girls are literally telling you they like being walk-on girls and don't feel objectified and this woman (not a walk-on girl) is telling them they're wrong?'

'Banning walk-on girls is absolutely ridiculous,' a third wrote.

Now the decision has been reversed, and both Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree will be returning.

They will be present when Phil Taylor competes at the World Seniors Matchplay in October, which will be shown on TNT Sports, the BBC red button and BBC iPlayer.




Walk-on girls Hazel O'Sullivan (pictured, left) and Jess Impiazzi (pictured, right) seen during week eight of the Betway Premier League Darts in 2014





Prominent walk-on girls Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree are pictured while appearing on This Morning in 2018, to discuss the decision to scrap their role from darts. They will be returning to the sport this year

Speaking about her return, Daniella said: 'We are so happy to be have been asked to represent WSDT in an ambassadorial role. It's so pleasing to be able to be involved in the sport in any capacity, but this is a real honour.'

Meanwhile, Charlotte said: 'Me and Daniella are really looking forward to being a part of WSDT events, and especially meeting the fans and being at the side of the players as they walk on.

'It's a pleasure to accept this role, and it's one that we look forward to getting started on in York'.

Jason Francis, speaking on behalf of the World Seniors Darts Tour, said: 'We are really pleased to be able to welcome Daniella and Charlotte as WSDT Ambassadors. They always bring the glitz and glamour to the sport, and it will be no different in York.

'The players will have that extra stardust alongside them when doing their world-famous walk ons, and it will add further prestige to what should be an amazing tournament and event.'

 

 

 

 


BBC

If you have any concerns pertaining to in which and how to use situs poker online dan bola tangkas resmi terpercaya, you can get hold of us at our own website.