Darts Jan 22, 2026

John McDonald and George Noble: Iconic darts duo inducted into PDC Hall of Fame ahead of hanging up microphones

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
John McDonald and George Noble: Iconic darts duo inducted into PDC Hall of Fame ahead of hanging up microphones

Master of Ceremonies John McDonald and referee George Noble have been unveiled as the latest inductees into the PDC Hall of Fame ahead of both retiring follow the World Darts Championship.

The duo following the World Darts Championship after decades of service.

McDonald has worked full-time on PDC tournaments since succeeding Phil Jones in 2007. A former member of the Parachute Regiment and a news photographer, he began his career as a sports MC in boxing and has also covered snooker and pool during the last three decades.

Noble has spent almost two decades officiating on the PDC circuit, having previously spearheaded the BDO's refereeing roster.

The 57-year-old has presided over seven nine-darters on the Alexandra Palace stage, and he had the honour of calling the first perfect leg in PDC World Championship history - achieved by Raymond van Barneveld in 2008/09.

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said: "John and George have played an instrumental role in the PDC's growth over the last 20 years.

"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.

"When George came across to the PDC, there were quite a few players coming over from the BDO on a regular basis, and it was Tommy Cox, our Tournament Director, who persuaded him to join the PDC.

"At the time, it was that big it felt like signing a player. George really added to our roster of referees, and he's been a brilliant signing for us.

"We are incredibly grateful to John and George for their contributions, not just to the PDC but to darts in general, and their induction into the Hall of Fame recognises their enormous impact on the sport."

The pair join the likes of PDC President Barry Hearn OBE, PDC founders Dick Allix and Tommy Cox, iconic referee Russ Bray and former stars Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow MBE, John Lowe MBE, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington and John Part in the PDC Hall of Fame.

Former PDC Master of Ceremonies Jones and referees Freddie Williams and Bruce Spendley were also inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame following their stellar careers.

Your Site is once again be the home of the World Darts Championship, Premier League Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more!

Tags:

darts news

Share this article

Related Posts

World Darts Championship: Stephen Bunting reveals hateful messages directed at his son following Alexandra Palace exit

World Darts Championship: Stephen Bunting reveals hateful messages directed at his son following Alexandra Palace exit

Stephen Bunting says his family have been hurt by social media "hate" directed at his son following his exit from the World Darts Championship.Bunting...

World Darts Championship: Gian van Veen disappointed by loss to Luke Littler but excited by future battles with back-to-back world champion

World Darts Championship: Gian van Veen disappointed by loss to Luke Littler but excited by future battles with back-to-back world champion

Gian van Veen insists he, Luke Littler and darts' young stars are ready to take over the sport, despite falling short in his bid for a maiden World Da...

World Darts Championship: Wayne Mardle says it's up to players to rise and 'get stuck into Luke Littler'

World Darts Championship: Wayne Mardle says it's up to players to rise and 'get stuck into Luke Littler'

Wayne Mardle says it is up to players to rise to the challenge and get "stuck into Luke Littler" after 'The Nuke' cemented his position as one of the...

Premier League Darts 2026 line-up announcement live: Who will join Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen in competition

Premier League Darts 2026 line-up announcement live: Who will join Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen in competition

Papers: Palmer keen on potential Man Utd transferCvancara loan to Celtic will include buy optionLatest from Your Site News' Florian Plettenberg and An...

Luke Littler: Is world No 1 on cusp of invincibility after winning 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace?

Luke Littler: Is world No 1 on cusp of invincibility after winning 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace?

Luke Littler was odds on favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy again ahead of the 2026 World Darts Championship with an air of inevitability about...

Dom Taylor banned from all PDC events and World Darts Championship prize money removed after failed drugs test

Dom Taylor banned from all PDC events and World Darts Championship prize money removed after failed drugs test

Dom Taylor has been banned from all PDC events following his failed drugs test, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) have confirmed, while he has als...