Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton is set to guide fans through the thrilling Premier League Darts play-offs this Thursday. Luke Littler, the teenage darting sensation, is among the four players battling for the title after topping the table over a 16-week period. He’s set to go head-to-head with Michael Smith in a nail-biting semi-final showdown.
In another exciting match-up, reigning world champion Luke Humphries will face off against Michael van Gerwen, setting the stage for the final showdown to determine the 2024 Premier League winner at The O2 in London.
Paton, who took over from fan-favourite Laura Woods as the face of Sky Sports’ darts coverage, will be at the helm of the action. Mirror Sport delves into her career journey so far.
Who is Emma Paton?
A former national level 400m runner, Paton pursued her undergraduate studies at Loughborough University. Her love for athletics led her to complete a Master’s degree in sports journalism at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, during which she interned at the 2012 London Olympics.
She landed her first role at Sky Sports as an online journalist before transitioning into production. In 2019, she made her on-screen debut and has since covered WWE events and the US Open tennis tournament.
Paton has also been a familiar face on Sky Sports News, including during transfer deadline day. However, she’s most recognised for her work on the darts scene, taking over as lead presenter at the world championships following Woods’ departure in 2022.
In a candid chat with Sports Gazette about her foray into the world of sports journalism, Emma Paton disclosed: “I’m someone who just loves sport. Having an athletic background – national level 400m metre runner – that’s where it all came from. That’s a reason I got into journalism. If I’m not the athlete, why not be able to speak to the athletes.”
While she has expressed gratitude for the guidance of darts expert Wayne Mardle, Paton admits that at times the boisterous darts crowds make it hard to communicate with her peers. Speaking to The Sun, the Sky Sports presenter said: “It is really loud. There are some occasions when it’s just a wall of noise.”
She elaborated on the challenges faced during live broadcasts, adding: “There are times when I actually can’t hear what Wayne Mardle, Mark Webster or John Part are saying. I can’t even hear the director in my ear. I just have to hope we are on the same page for running order and not too much has changed.”
Which football team does Emma Paton support?
The Sky Sports anchor has openly supported Manchester United, as seen on her social media. In May 2023, ahead of the Women’s FA Cup final, Paton was pictured donning a United jersey, excitedly posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Wembley bound! Come on @ManUtdWomen!” Additionally, she shared her enthusiasm following United’s thrilling FA Cup win against Liverpool in April.
