Ex-Sky presenter struggles to watch replacement after retiring with Parkinson's

11 April 2023 , 14:43

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Dave Clark worked with Sky Sports from 1998 to 2020

Legendary Sky Sports Darts presenter Dave Clark admits he now finds it difficult to watch live coverage of the sport, describing it as like seeing 'your wife smooch another man'.

The popular Clark joined the station in 1998, also fronting several big boxing bouts as well as working on shows like Soccer AM. But it was in darts where his face and voice became synonymous, working on all the major PDC events including the annual world championships and Premier League.

In 2011 though, the Leeds United fan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Bravely, he worked a further nine years, before eventually stepping away in July 2020, at a time when the sport was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It's now Emma Paton who fronts the coverage, and speaking to PA Sport, Clark declared himself grateful for his distinguished career, but admitted it was 'hard' to watch the current events: "Longevity is a sign of success," he said. "You are very disposable as a TV presenter. I had a great time, just amazing. I have massive pride.

“Emma has done great, but I do find it quite hard to watch it,” he said. “It’s like going to a party and watching your wife smooch with another man. You don’t want to see it. I’m still into it and watch the big games, but I had my time.”

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Clark is credited for helping darts embark on its remarkable rise to a sport which is now a global phenomenon. And he also recalled the early days, long before the glamour of entertaining player entrances and sold out arenas.

Emma Paton now fronts the Sky coverage (Twitter/@NFLUK)

“It was a strip club on the A13 in the Circus Tavern, where your feet used to stick to the carpet,” he said. “It was basically a pub sport and we made it like a party you want to be at. I loved the characters, just ordinary blokes doing something amazing.

“Most sports have a high every 20 or 30 minutes, darts has one every few seconds. We are blessed with loads of characters. Sport is all about personality and rivalry. I miss the people, but nothing lasts forever. I had 22 great years in television, that is a massive amount of time."

Clark has continuously sought to help those suffering the same plight as him raising more than £500,000 for Parkinson’s UK by doing a coast-to-coast sponsored walk. He has also co-hosted the ‘2 Parkies in a Pod’ podcast, where he discusses his own personal experiences of living with the disease.

Fraser Watson