Sky Sports Darts pundit Mark Webster shares health update after rare cancer diagnosis

Former darts World Champion and Sky Sports commentator Mark Webster has provided an update on his health after stepping away from the sport

Darts commentator Mark Webster has disclosed he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as hairy cell leukaemia. The former British Darts Organisation (BDO) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) star stepped back from his duties to tackle a medical condition earlier this year.

Webster had announced in March that he would be reassessed within a month and was ‘eager’ to get back to work. Yet it has now come to light that his recuperation following the diagnosis is not progressing as quickly as he had hoped.

Webster was a familiar face in Premier League darts coverage before being compelled to stand down for the new season. The 42-year-old Welshman had kept the details of his illness under wraps but has now spoken publicly.

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He said: “On January 8th, I was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called hairy cell leukaemia. It’s got a good prognosis, 95% of cases are successful.

“I will put it into some sort of remission at some point but the recovery at the minute is not going to plan in terms of the speed of it. It’s not the worst case scenario but it’s just a bit frustrating for me at the minute but I’m managing okay, I’m dealing with it alright.”

Following a distinguished sporting career that saw him claim the BDO World Championship in 2008 and reach the semi-finals of the PDC equivalent on two occasions, Webster made the switch from the oche to broadcasting six years ago. He has since worked across Sky Sports and ITV Sport, delivering commentary and studio analysis.

The commentator utilised his new career as a means of remaining connected to darts. After spending time struggling with dartitis, Webster decided against entering Q School in 2020 to reclaim the tour card he’d forfeited.

Originally, he intended to return to competing, but he relished being behind the microphone and enjoys ‘being able to be with friends and watch the sport’.

Speaking in March, Webster confirmed he was receiving treatment that appeared to be producing encouraging outcomes.

“Yeah, something cropped up, I’m having a bit of treatment, slowly it seems to be working,” he told Sky Sports. “Hopefully another month it will be reassessed and I’ll be hoping to get back.

“I’ve missed far too much already. At least I get to chat to you guys, I have to be involved.

“I appreciate it,” he added. “I’ve had some nice messages over social media, it’s been really nice. As much as I like watching the darts, it’s not the same as being involved so I’m eager to get back.”