The world of darts bid farewell to two of its most iconic voices as John McDonald, the legendary Master of Ceremonies, and referee George Noble, took their final bows at the 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. For nearly two decades, McDonald’s calm yet electrifying introductions have set the stage for unforgettable moments in darts history, while Noble’s sharp officiating has overseen some of the sport’s most dramatic matches. Their simultaneous retirement marks the end of an era, but their influence on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the global darts community will resonate for years to come.
On January 3, 2026, the atmosphere inside Ally Pally was palpable. The noise, the lights, and the anticipation all faded as McDonald’s unmistakable voice rang out one last time. For 19 years, he’s been the man to “fire the starting gun for the biggest party in darts,” as fans and players alike have come to expect. This final walk-on was more than a routine announcement; it was a moment steeped in nostalgia, gratitude, and a touch of melancholy.
McDonald’s decision to retire didn’t come overnight. "I didn’t wake up one day and decide I was leaving darts," he candidly told Sport 1. Instead, it was a gradual realization, rooted in a desire to spend more time with his family. "Either I go completely or not at all," he explained, emphasizing his commitment to his wife, four sons, and eight grandchildren. The final championship provided the perfect backdrop for his farewell, with his family attending the event live for the very first time. "They’ve never been there before to see me. So what do you think?" McDonald said with a knowing smile, hinting at the emotional weight of the occasion.
For McDonald, the pull of family became undeniable after a particularly poignant moment. Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, he recalled, “I got a call from my grandson, who plays at the Chelsea Foundation. He said, 'I'm playing at Southampton tomorrow, grandad, can you come and watch?' I was like, 'No, I can't, I'm up in Leicester.' And he said to me that it's alright because his other grandad could take him, and I felt a bit left out again.” That feeling, he admitted, was the tipping point. “I thought that maybe I can go off and enjoy my eight grandchildren and my lovely wife, that’s what I’ll do and I can’t wait.”
George Noble, too, cited family as a major reason for stepping away. After 31 years in refereeing, Noble reflected, "I've missed 17 out of 22 birthdays of my daughter, being away on the road working on the darts. It's not all possible to do all three in the long run now, so one of them had to give." Like McDonald, Noble looks forward to mixing business interests with family time, acknowledging that “it’s probably long enough” after decades of service.
The PDC recognized the duo’s immense contributions by inducting both McDonald and Noble into the PDC Hall of Fame before the final. They joined a pantheon of darts legends, including Phil Taylor, Dennis Priestley, Russ Bray, Barry Hearn, and more. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter praised their impact: “John's enthusiasm, passion and his ability to create an atmosphere through his delivery has been one of the main reasons why darts has become so loved. Someone has to set the scene, and I think John's voice has done that so well for us.” Porter also lauded Noble’s transition from the BDO to the PDC, noting that it “felt like signing a player” and that Noble “added to our roster of referees” brilliantly.
McDonald’s journey has been filled with unforgettable moments. He recalled the 2007 incident involving Andy Fordham’s health crisis, where his training as a paramedic made a crucial difference. “I sent them all away, laid him on the floor, and put him in the recovery position,” McDonald recounted. After ensuring Fordham’s safety, he still had to announce the match result and carry on with the show. “I just thought: never again, oh my God. What a nightmare.” That experience, he later learned, inspired Barry Hearn to develop what would become Premier League Darts.
Another highlight came in January 2018, when McDonald brought Phil Taylor onto the World Championship stage for the legend’s final appearance. “It was breathtaking,” McDonald said. “I made him cry.” Taylor’s words—“John, you made me cry”—and McDonald’s humble response, “It’s okay, you deserve it,” remain etched in darts lore.
As the 2026 World Championship final unfolded, McDonald prepared for the moment with meticulous care. “It will be the last time anyone hears me professionally,” he shared, determined to “make something very special of it.” The stakes were higher than ever, with a record £1 million prize on the line—“the highest prize money in history to be won by a darts player,” as McDonald emphasized. Luke Littler seized the moment, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 to claim the Sid Waddell trophy and etch his name in the record books.
McDonald’s connection to the new generation of players is evident. He spoke fondly of Littler’s confidence, recalling a conversation at the JDC World Championship: “I told him he would one day play in front of a full Ally Pally. Littler’s answer: ‘Yeah, right. On Wednesday.’” That self-assurance and talent signal a bright future for darts, even as beloved figures like McDonald and Noble step aside.
The physical demands of the job were not lost on McDonald. “I walk every morning from the players’ hotel to Ally Pally,” he said, a trek of over eight kilometers. Long days often stretched from 8:30 AM until midnight, a routine he described as “exhausting, even for me.” Yet, he wouldn’t have traded those years for anything, cherishing the camaraderie and shared experiences with players and colleagues alike. “We share the disaster and the glory,” McDonald reflected, capturing the spirit of the sport he helped shape.
With their microphones set aside, McDonald and Noble look forward to new adventures. McDonald plans to travel with his wife, with Croatia topping his list of destinations. “I owe some people a bit of time,” he said, eager to make up for years spent on the road. Noble, meanwhile, will balance business interests with long-overdue family celebrations.
As the final echoes of McDonald’s voice faded through Alexandra Palace, darts fans knew they were witnessing more than just the end of a match—they saw the close of a remarkable chapter. The sport moves forward, but the legacy of John McDonald and George Noble will forever be woven into the fabric of darts history.