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Emma Paton has become as synonymous with darts on Sky Sports as Wayne Mardle and Michael van Gerwen's fist-pumps. The 31-year-old has hosted major events like the World Darts Championship and the Premier League of Darts for several years now, earning plaudits for her charisma and charm.

That said, she's no stranger to an awkward on-air moment. During last year's Premier League coverage, Paton was forced to swiftly delete a tweet following a series of broadcast malfunctions. On Night 5 in Brighton, the live feed kept cutting out sporadically, causing fans to miss several exciting moments. After Luke Humphries hit a stunning nine-darter against Rob Cross in the quarter-finals, Patton posted on X: "I REALLY HOPE YOU ALL SAW THAT," followed by three laughing face emojis and three crying face emojis. However, minutes later, she took the post down.

A few weeks later on Night 11 in Rotterdam, Paton was booed off stage by the passionate Dutch fans inside the Ahoy Arena. The 'abuse' was good-natured, with spectators also jeering whenever the cameras would pan away from Paton, cheekily suggesting they wanted to see more of her.

The ribbing began when Paton was introducing the evening's matches. As she addressed the raucous crowd, a wave of lighthearted boos erupted. But far from being rattled, Paton flashed a smile, playfully acknowledged the crowd's antics and continued her presenting duties with her trademark professionalism.

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Taking to X shortly after, Paton simply laughed off the boisterous reception. "Well, that was a warm Rotterdam welcome," she wrote, accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post quickly gained traction, with fans praising her for taking the moment in stride.

One user replied: "You're a legend, Emma! Only in darts would they boo and love you at the same time!" Another added: "Handled like a pro. Keep shining!"

The 2026 Premier League of Darts gets underway in Newcastleon Thursday evening, with three changes to last year's line-up. Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock come in for Rob Cross, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall.

Luke Littler begins his campaign against the man he beat in last month's World Championship final, Van Veen, who is making his debut in the competition. Defending champion Luke Humphries opens against Gerwyn Price, while Michael van Gerwen faces Stephen Bunting, and fellow newcomer Rock takes on Clayton.

Four of the eight players have lifted the Premier League trophy previously, with Humphries winning in 2025, Littler in 2024, Clayton in 2021 and Van Gerwen claiming the title seven times - in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.