ANNOUNCER John McDonald is the voice of darts, building up the excitement and tension before the players step up to the oche.

Here we take a look at the fan favourite‘s life, career and family.

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John McDonald has spent 30 years behind the microphone[/caption]

Who is John McDonald?

John McDonald was born in London on August 7, 1960.

The prominent sports announcer is best known for his work with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

He has been the master of ceremonies for the PDC since February 2007, taking over the role from the legendary Phil Jones.

John’s distinctive voice and boxing-style announcements have become a hallmark of major darts tournaments.

Paratrooper

Before his career as an announcer, John served as a paratrooper in the British army.

However, an accident led him to change his career path, initially working as a freelance photographer between 1982 and 1994.

But wishing to work in the world of sports, John decided to put his vocal prowess to work and become a master of ceremonies.

During his glittering announcing career, he has worked in boxing, snooker, pool and bowling — he even reportedly introduced the anglers at the Fishing World Championships.

Darts

His debut in darts came during an event called The Showdown in November 2004 — a one-off special match between Andy Fordham and Phil Taylor at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet, Essex.

He subsequently worked on the 2005 World Matchplay and the 2006 Premier League before becoming the PDC’s full-time announcer.

John works for Sky Sports and ITV, covering competitions all over the UK, while his roles with Matchroom and the PDC have taken him to massive sporting events all over the world

John’s first World Darts Championship as the PDC announcer was in 2008.

Is John McDonald Married?

Regarding his personal life, John is indeed married.

He and his wife have four sons together.

But he prefers to keep his family out of the public spotlight, so little other information is currently available.

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John is married and with four sons[/caption]

Charity

Beyond his announcing career, John has been engaged in various charitable activities.

He has been particularly involved with thos supporting British paratroopers.

John is also a co-founder of a non-profit, as indicated by his social X/Twitter profile, which reads: “Husband and father and grandad, former paratrooper and PDC Mc .co founder of http://futurepathway.co.uk.”

Future Pathway provides fully-funded educational course for veterans and their families, as well as sports men and women both active and retired.

Engagement with fans

John’s popularity extends beyond his live announcing work.

He offers personalised video messages through platforms like Memmo.

This means fans can request custom greetings, birthday wishes or shoutouts featuring John’s unique vocal delivery.

CHRISTMAS is nearly here and there’s still time for gadget fans to get those wish-lists in to Santa.

I spend a lot of time testing tech – so here’s what I’m hoping to find under the tree on December 25.

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The Meta Quest 3S has handy controllers that allow you to interact with the virtual world[/caption]

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These Meta goggles are a great way to try out the metaverse[/caption]

GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #1

Near the top of my list is Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg‘s latest virtual reality headset.

The Meta Quest 3S debuted earlier this year, and I had a chance to try it out.

These space-age goggles let you step into imaginary worlds, playing video games, visit distant places, and even meet up with people – all in a computer simulation.

It serves up fantastic visuals, and gives you a glimpse of a future where we might all regularly be visiting the metaverse.

I will add that it’s especially good fun for gamers – even if you’ve only got a casual interest.

During a trip to Meta HQ in California, I demo’d Batman: Arkham Shadow in the headset,

It was stupendous to run around as the caped crusader, especially when it came to using my actual hands to strike down virtual baddies.

But my favourite VR game remains Beat Saber – it’s like Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution but with lightsabers, and it’s a must-play. It might be worth buying the headset alone.

Importantly, this is one of the best-value-for-money VR headsets on the market at £289.99.

That puts it at less than half the price of the new £699 PS5 Pro, and even cheaper than the regular PS5.

You can use the headset as a personal telly, a gaming machine, and so much more – and everyone in the family can have a go.

This is a proper Christmas gift: the kind that you’re thrilled to open, and desperate to unbox.

And really, it’s a small price to pay to become Batman.

GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #2

It’s not going to happen, but Santa, I want a Peloton Bike. Please.

Peloton

The Peloton Bike isn’t just for fitness fanatics – it’s easy to use and can transform your health[/caption]

Even putting aside the problem of the indoor bicycle not fitting down a chimney (and forgetting the fact that I don’t actually have a chimney), these hi-tech fitness bikes are expensive.

So my fingers are crossed, but I won’t get my hopes up.

I’ve been pedalling away on a Peloton at the local gym relentlessly for the past six months, and I’ve become totally obsessed.

That’s why I now want the freedom to cycle at home too. I could watch a bit of Boxing Day telly and ride through the Californian hills at the same time.

Peloton

And after my plans to devour enough food to feed several families over Christmas, having one in the living room would probably do me some good.

In all seriousness, the Peloton is a brilliant fitness device.

It’s easy to use, very low impact, is accessible for beginners but scales to be as hard as you’d like it, and the brilliant trainers can guide you along – or be switched off entirely for a bit of peace.

A new Peloton will set you back £1,599, or you can grab a refurbished one for £1,299. Hardly a stocking filler – but it does deliver fitness fun for all the family. Santa, I’ve been good, I promise.

GADGET CHRISTMAS WISH #3

Nanoleaf

This Nanoleaf lightbulb is a game-changer for every home[/caption]

Probably my top pick on this year’s Christmas list is a lightbulb.

Yes, really. It’s called then Nanoleaf Matter Essentials E27 LED Bulb. Appealing, I know.

For a start, it’s way cheaper than a Peloton at £14.99.

And it’s not just any old lightbulb – it’s actually a smart bulb.

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The smart bulbs can be dimmed, made to look more warm, and even change colour[/caption]

You plug it into a regular lamp then connect it to your Wi-Fi. Once that’s done, you can control it with your phone.

It can be dimmed or brightened at the touch of a button, as well as switched on or off.

And you can even change it to almost any colour you can imagine.

You can use your phone’s smart home apps to set up routines so that it comes on when you’re home, or goes off at a certain time.

And it’s even possible to control it with your voice using AI helpers like Apple’s Siri or Google.

I’ve actually already got four of these, and I can’t get enough.

I won’t stop until every lamp is converted. So that’s my wish, Santa: another bulb. Thanks.

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.

Always do your own research before making any purchase.

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly embroiled in a row with Arsenal over their FA Cup ticket allocation.

The two clubs are set to meet in the third round on Sunday January 12.

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Man Utd have contacted the FA over a dispute with Arsenal[/caption]

Under FA rules the away side is granted 15 per cent of the ticket allocation, meaning there could be 9,000 Red Devils packed inside the Emirates, which is a 60,000-capacity stadium.

But United have been given just under 8000 tickets according to the Daily Mail, which is not acceptable for club officials.

As a result, they have raised the issue with the FA with the aim of getting their full allocation.

United reportedly raised concerns with Arsenal and gave them time to address the issue, but a solution has not been reached.

Sources at the club are said to feel that the match being brought forward to 3pm should avoid any crowd problems.

The Red Devils have even had to delay placing their tickets up for sale, which was initially scheduled to take place on December 13.

They blamed Arsenal for the delay in a statement which read: “Arsenal have not provided us with the relevant information required to open applications as planned at 8am tomorrow for our away game in the FA Cup.

“We’ll update here as and when this is received and will also add updates to our game information on the ticketing website.”

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United’s trip to the Emirates is the biggest tie of the third round and is a baptism of fire for Ruben Amorim, who will be managing his first game in the competition.

The two clubs have a lengthy history in a tournament and this will be their 17th meeting.

Two of those matches came in the final, with the Gunners coming out on top on both occasions, in 1979 and 2005.

FORMER Premier League winner Jesus Navas broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Sevilla.

The 39-year-old legend is hanging up his boots at the end of this calendar year.

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Jesus Navas said an emotional farewell to Sevilla[/caption]

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The Spanish veteran is hanging up his boots due to a hip injury[/caption]

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Navas has played 704 times for his boyhood club[/caption]

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Navas touched and kissed the ground where his former team-mate suffered a cardiac arrest[/caption]

Navas, who has been on Sevilla‘s books for 20 years, played the last home match of his career last night as his side beat Celta Vigo 1-0.

And after the game, the veteran was given an incredible send-off at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Navas broke down in tears as he and his family were given a guard of honour by his team-mates.

Supporters chanted his name and held up banners for him as the emotional Spaniard waved goodbye.

On his way around the pitch, Navas showed his class by stopping and kissing the ground where his former team-mate Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in 2007.

Puerta sadly passed away three days later.

Navas was 18-years-old when he made his Sevilla debut and went on to play for his boyhood club 704 times.

He lifted two Copa del Reys and four Europa Leagues, with two of the successes coming while captain.

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A Prem-winning four years at Manchester City from 2013 to 2017 came between his spells at Sevilla.

Navas initially announced he was leaving in May but chairman Jose Maria del Nido then offered him a lifetime contract.

Despite managing 71 minutes in his final appearance, the versatile winger hangs up his boots due to a chronic hip injury.

Navas admitted he “can’t take” playing through the pain anymore.

On the international stage, he won the World Cup and two Euros with Spain.

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Fans held up a huge banner in honour of Navas[/caption]

MASON MOUNT suffered more Manchester United misery as he was hauled off injured against City.

The former Chelsea star came off injured after just 13 minutes of the Manchester derby – replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

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Mason Mount came off injured against Man City[/caption]

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Mount look down in frustration[/caption]

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The former Chelsea star came off injured after just 13 minutes[/caption]

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Mount looked devastated[/caption]

Mount has suffered large spells out of the squad this season amid a hamstring problem.

And his withdrawal against City at the Etihad is the midfielder’s latest setback in United red.

Mount joined from West London in a £60million move last summer under Erik ten Hag.

But he has failed to hit the same heights that saw him lift the Champions League at Chelsea.

In fact, over the 18 months he has been at United, Mount has played a full 90 minutes of football ONCE – against Newcastle in the League Cup in November 2023.

United also travelled to the Premier League champions without Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.

And manager Ruben Amorim appeared to suggest it was down to performances – both in training and on the pitch.

He said: “We try to evaluate everything training performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, push their team-mates up.

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“Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.

“I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart.

“Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is simple selection.

“Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now.

“I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.”

RUBEN AMORIM has bizarrely revealed that he watches the way his Manchester United squad gets dressed.

The new Red Devils manager has endured a mixed time during his short spell in charge of the team.

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Ruben Amorim has missed a bizarre warning to his players[/caption]

Amorim, 39, replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag and has so far won once in the Premier League.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss has won two from two in the Europa League to match the records of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby.

Amorim has insisted that he and his coaching team are keeping a close eye on the players.

He has issued a warning to the Manchester United squad that he is watching “everything” they do including getting dressed.

He made the claim when asked why Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were omitted from the squad to face Manchester City.

He told Sky Sports: “We try to evaluate everything training performance, game performances, engagement with teammates, push their teammates up.

“Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.

“I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it.

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“The players are really, really smart. Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is simple selection.

“Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now.

“I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.

“There is a communication after the last training.

“They are alright. They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well.”

Rashford was hauled off in Man Unted’s win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.

The forward struggled to make a positive impact, having been on the bench for the two previous Premier League games.

Amorim’s claim also came after the starting eleven to face Man City was “leaked”.

BRITISH boxing legend Duke McKenzie fears Tyson Fury’s “legs are completely shot to pieces” ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury attempts to avenge the only defeat in his 36 bouts when he faces Usyk again on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

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Tyson Fury with sparring partner Kevin Lerena[/caption]

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Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his rematch with Fury[/caption]

But former three-weight champion McKenzie is concerned the fleet-footed Fury who dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 is no more.

He told Seconds Out: “I think Tyson Fury’s legs are completely shot to pieces.

“We’re not looking at the same Tyson Fury as the guy that went over to win the world titles initially when he beat Klitschko.

“We’re not looking at the same guy anymore. This guy can’t bounce around the ring for twelve rounds, which he proved in the last fight.

“The fact that he’s putting on weight and he’s coming into the fight even heavier now proves to me yet again he’s saying to himself this is my last roll of the dice.

“If I’m going out, I’m going out on my shield on my terms.”

Fury, 36, lost his WBC title and undefeated record after 12 classic rounds in Riyadh seven months ago.

Usyk, 37, became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history and Fury looks to right his only career wrong.

Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch

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But McKenzie said: “I don’t think he can claw back the deficit. It’s not happening … This is heavyweight boxing.

“You’re one punch away from disaster, one punch from victory. Of course Fury can win the fight.

“He could find he throws a haymaker and knocks Usyk out. But it’s highly unlikely.

“Usyk doesn’t go down unless it’s a low blow. I’ve never seen anybody have him rocked and really hurt.

“And the one time Tyson Fury did have him hurt, Usyk managed to disguise it and cover it up so that Fury couldn’t maintain the onslaught.

“He’s too smart for that. And he would’ve learnt from that mistake.”

@duke_mckenzie_mbe

Three-weight world champion Duke McKenzie[/caption]

A HUGE derby is UNDERWAY in Manchester as City and United go head-to-head – and the headline team news is that Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been left OUT of the United squad.

The Red Devils will be looking to pounce on their local rivals, with Pep Guardiola‘s side claiming just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions.

But United don’t exactly go into today’s blockbuster clash in scintillating form after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.

• Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMT
• Stream/TV: NOW/Sky Sports Main Event
• Man City team: Ederson, Dias, Walker, Gvardiol, Bernardo, Nunes, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden, Doku, Haaland
• Man Utd team: Onana, Maguire, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Amad, Mount, Hojlund

Follow all the action with our live blog below…

I’M A Celebrity star Melvin Odoom showed off his chiselled new abs as he revealed his dramatic weight loss.

The Radio 1 DJ, 44, admitted that a diet of rice and beans for three weeks helped him achieve a toned physique.

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I’m A Celeb’s Melvin Odoom showed off his newfound abs after his stint in the jungle[/caption]

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Melvin posted a topless mirror selfie and revealed he had lost 7kg -which is equivalent to just over 1st.

The broadcaster captioned it: “Lost some pounds, gained some abs…highly recommend the rice and beans jungle diet.

“For anyone that’s asking I went from 71KG to 64KG.”

Melvin’s fans were quick to compliment him on his new look.

One wrote: “Looking good Melvin and has carol called yet??”

A second posted: “Send me the rice & beans recipe please!”

A third said: “They need to start doing I’m Not a Celeb retreats for that quick weight loss journey before a special occasion.”

A fourth commented: “Carol is going to be one lucky lady,” with a flame emoji.

It comes just days after the I’m A Celeb Coming Out Party, as Melvin and Dean McCullough‘s clashed after their feud over camp chores.

Radio star Dean, 32, was not happy with some of the things he’s seen since leaving the jungle.

Dean lashed during their time on the show with Melvin, becoming frustrated when Dean “disappeared” when it was time for him to help.

Melvin even branded Dean “Houdini” and ranted to his fellow campmates: “This is a lone man situation, he’s very good at disappearing.”

He confronts Melvin saying: “I saw Bush Telegraphs of you saying, ‘Oh, it’s another chore to ask Dean to do the chores’.”

Melvin replied: “Me calling you Houdini was my way of telling you I need help.

“When we said, ‘Let’s do the water’, I came up the steps and you were having a shower, when I came down you were folding your clothes by the bed, by the time I said, ‘Houdini’ that was me saying, ‘I need help’.”

But Dean insists Melvin should’ve taken him to the side and aired his frustrations.

Runner-up Coleen Rooney also took a savage swipe at Dean about the first time they met.

Discussing her first impression with Dean and the rest of the campmates, Coleen put her head in her hands.

She said: “Dean, I was so overwhelmed when you got me from the parachute.

“I was thinking, ‘I don’t know whether I can cope with his personality.

“The first few days I was thinking, ‘Urgh, how am I going to fit in here?'”

Rex

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