Wolverhampton-born presenter announces departure from ITV darts coverage after decade of service
Wolverhampton-born presenter Jacqui Oatley has announced she has left her role at ITV Sport after a decade of service.
Oatley, 50, was born in Wolverhampton and raised in Codsall, South Staffordshire. She attended St Dominic's junior school in Brewood before moving to Wolverhampton Grammar School to complete here A-Levels.
In a recent post on X, Oatley appeared to suggest she will be one of the casualties when ITV stop producing their own PDC darts coverage next year, with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom company set to take complete control.
Oatley wrote on X: "Heading home for the final time from ITV Sport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team.
"First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout.
"Can't express how grateful I am to have worked with such amazing people. The producers, led by Phil Heslop, are incredible, the directors, spotters, pundits, commentators, crew behind the camera, sound guys, graphics team, Jonesy (who tells me off for being an inch off my standing spot) - everyone.
"Always smiling while working hard - most of all, they care about the output. Because that's what it's all about: the viewer's experience.
"We hope our genuine enjoyment came across. Back to football for me now but I'll still be going to the darts. With pint in hand instead of a mic. Bye for now x."
Oatley has had an esteemed career in sports journalism, having joined BBC Radio 5 Live in 2003 and gone on to become the first woman to commentate on a football match on British network radio in 2005. Two years later, she became the first-ever female commentator on the BBC's Match of the Day show.
She is an ambassador for women in football, championing the role of women across the game, and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.
Oatley became a Wolves Foundation ambassador in July 2020. In 2021, she also hosted 'The Molineux View' podcast with The Athletic reporter Tim Spiers.
