Overview

• The PDC announced on October 15 that Master of Ceremonies John McDonald, 65, and referee George Noble, 56, will step down after the 2026 World Championship final.
• McDonald said two decades with the PDC made the tournament’s climax the perfect place to hang up the microphone, having succeeded Phil Jones and introduced players since 2007.
• Noble confirmed he will leave refereeing after more than 30 years in darts, plans to remain involved in the sport outside officiating, and intends to spend more time with his family.
• Both figures have been mainstays at PDC events since around 2007, with Noble previously leading the BDO’s team of referees before moving to the PDC.
• The exits continue recent turnover among high‑profile callers, including Russ Bray’s 2024 departure, with BILD reporting the PDC has groomed Huw Ware and Charlie Costorphine for major stages though no formal successors were announced.