Iconic ITV presenter posts emotional message as she leaves after a decade and reveals future career plans

JACQUI OATLEY has revealed her ITV Sport exit following a decade with the broadcaster.

The experienced presenter, 50, departed following the conclusion of the .

Jacqui Oatley is departing ITV after a decadeCredit: Getty Oatley, 50, fronted ITV’s darts coverageCredit: X/ JacquiOatley

Oatley joined the broadcaster in 2015, having previously worked for them on a freelance basis.

During her tenure she covered major tournaments, while also fronting ITV’s coverage.

Prior to the Players Championships Finals semis, : “Very sad for us all today but we’re going to make the most of it and enjoy it.”

Following ‘s 11-8 final victory over Nathan Aspinall, Oatley added: “Heading home for the final time from @ITVSport duty after a decade with a brilliant production team.

“First three years were presenting football, including Euro 2016, World Cup 2018, with darts, darts, darts throughout.

“Can’t express how grateful I am to have worked with such amazing people.

“The producers, led by Phil Heslop, are incredible, the directors, spotters, pundits, commentators, crew behind the camera, sound guys, graphics team, Jonesy (who tells me off for being an inch off my standing spot) – everyone.

“Always smiling while working hard – most of all, they care about the output.

“Because that’s what it’s all about: the viewer’s experience. We hope our genuine enjoyment came across.”

Concluding her post, Oatley hinted at what her next job will be.

Oatley finished: “Back to football for me now but I’ll still be going to the darts. With pint in hand instead of a mic. Bye for now x.”

Darts will remain on ITV4 and next year, but coverage is set to look very different.

The PDC and Matchroom – Eddie Hearn’s promotion company –

No announcements over who will be part of the line-up have been made.

Commentator Stuart Pyke wrote his own statement from Minehead.

It read: “A sad day…. after 17 years it’s the end of the road for ITV Sport on the [dart board emoji].

“The darts will continue on ITV but not with the brilliant team who it’s been a pleasure to work with….friends for life + hopefully going out with a bang at the Players Championship Finals.”

In addition to presenting, Oatley has done plenty of work as a football commentator.

Eighteen years ago she became the first woman to commentate on .

While she has also worked on several major tournaments across the men’s and women’s games.

Oatley has also done plenty of football workCredit: PA:Press Association