Darts star turned pundit Chris Mason didn’t expect his commentary connection with Wayne Mardle to receive the love it has. However, he always had faith the two had the potential to forge something special.

The two retired stars have become more regular colleagues in recent times after reuniting on ITV‘s darts coverage. And the former adversaries have been lapped up by fans as one of the more entertaining double acts, which is likely to be resurrected at this weekend’s UK Open. Not that it’s come as any surprise to Mason, who was full of confidence the pair could combine to great effect. However, the positive reception they’ve received from fans and peers alike left a different impression. Speaking to Online Darts about his link-up with ‘Hawaii 501’, Mason said: “Am I surprised at the love? Absolutely, I am.

“Because we’re divisive characters. We have different ways of going about things. It’s Marmite, isn’t it? The only people I give a s*** who like me are the people who pay my wages [laughs].

“And my peers. The people I work with, the people I respect in the broadcasting industry. And every one of them have reached out to me over the course of the tournament and gone, ‘You and Wayne are on a different level, mate’.”

He continued: “Thanks to Wayne, thanks to the Matchroom and PDC for having the stones to stick us in together. Because I literally…that is the most fun I’ve ever had at any tournament. It was incredible.”

It’s a shock the two have formed such a cohesive working relationship considering it wasn’t that long ago they would bicker for all their fans to see. Mason has in the past not hesitated to call out Mardle on social media when he disagreed with a stance or opinion, but there’s no tension visible in their on-screen work.

Mason, a two-time BDO World Championship semi-finalist, began his punditry career in 2007 while he was still competing as a professional. Mardle, on the other hand, made his broadcasting debut in 2011, the same year he retired from playing, and has become a household name.

The PDC World Series of Darts has gone down as a hit on ITV4 after giving terrestrial viewers the chance to watch some of the biggest names in the PDC. Events this year have already featured trips to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen emerged triumphant, respectively.

Mason is revelling in his role alongside Mardle and described their work as being very casual, like two friends “chatting and having a laugh.” It’s that same laid-back approach that has struck a chord with spectators and left them wanting more.