'I found I was travelling to events and not wanting to be there'

Former world champion opens up on absence as he prepares to make his return to TV darts

- Hayley Parker

TWO-TIME world darts champion Adrian Lewis is to make a long-awaited return to the televised oche after two-and-a-half years.

‘The 40-year-old, from Cross Heath, lost his tour card due to inactivity but has continued to compete in MODUS Super Series events.

Now Jackpot is scheduled to play on TV on Thursday, August 28 - his first live appearance since the PDC’s 2023 UK Open.

It ends a spell away from competitive darts, during which he chose to step back from the sport to focus on his personal life.

His wife Sarah has ‘an incurable kidney disease’ and his son ‘has autism and ADHD’.

Adrian explained: “I've taken time out to focus on my family life. It hasn't been easy over the last few years.

“My wife has to live with an illness and my son has autism and ADHD.

“I found myself travelling to events but not wanting to be there and wanting to be at home with them instead.

“I think I lost a bit of love for the game. I wasn’t happy and my performances suffered as a result”