Pundit Mark Webster returns to Sky Sports’ Premier League Darts coverage this Thursday following an improvement in his condition after revealing his cancer diagnosis.
The Welshman announced in January that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called hairy cell leukemia and has not worked at a darts event since starting chemotherapy in February.
The former BDO world champion announced his diagnosis in a wide-ranging interview with Darts worldwhich he referred to when he gave an update on his condition and confirmed his participation at Thursday’s Premier League Darts event in Birmingham – live on Sky Sports.
“I’m happy to say that since this interview was filmed, things have gotten better,” Webster wrote on X.
“Although I am still undergoing treatment, I have been cleared to return to the Premier League on Thursday.
“Looking forward to being back amongst it. Thanks again for all the love and support ❤️.”
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle took to social media to celebrate his colleague’s imminent return to the stage and commentary box.
“Love you mate!!! I can’t wait to see you!” He wrote on X.
The update follows Webster’s latest comments about his condition, his treatment and the process of coming to terms with his prognosis.
“It sounds bad when you say leukemia, but… it has a good prognosis – 95 percent of cases are successful. I will be put into some kind of remission at some point, but the recovery at this point is just not going to plan in terms of the speed of it,” explained Webster.
“It’s not the worst case scenario, but it’s just a little bit frustrating for me.
“I can work with people, but only in reasonable environments. It’s really frustrating. The day-to-day is a bit frustrating because I’m used to being busy. The Premier League on February 5 in Newcastle was the last time I worked, so yeah, I just manage.
“I have to trust the people who have looked after me. They’ve been really good. I don’t always get the answers I want when I go in, but I have to trust them.”