Darts bosses stun fans by scrapping famous walk-on models at the Masters
DARTS bosses stunned fans by scrapping the famous walk-on girls from the sport.
The models have accompanied players to the oche for more than two decades.
Chiefs at the Professional Darts Corporation told those hired for the televised Masters tournament not to show up.
The girls claim bosses were caving in to pressure following the Dorchester hostess scandal.
Among those turfed out of jobs are fan favourites Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree.
The girls were told by Sky last week that they were no longer needed but they only got the bullet from ITV on Thursday.
Married mum-of-one Daniella, 30, of Chesterfield, Derbys, said: “The fans we have, the love we get is fantastic. It’s our call what we do and how we look. We’re in charge.
“It’s a shame this vocal minority have ended our job, like they’re doing us a favour.
“What has happened with the Dorchester scandal is nothing like our world.
“Men in power have never tried to take advantage of us.”
Charlotte, 29, added: “I think the world has gone mad. I feel like the decision has been linked to the fallout from the Dorchester scandal. It’s a sad day for darts.”
Karen-Jean Cookson, 46, the first ever walk-on girl in 1994, said: “It’s political correctness gone mad. ”
Within hours of the news hundreds of fans signed a petition to have the girls reinstated.
A PDC spokesperson said: “This move has been made following feedback from host broadcasters.”
Sky said it felt last year, in conjunction with the PDC, that it was time to axe the girls in 2018.
The Masters tournament continues this weekend on ITV4.