News Beat
‘I would say this is my last year’
PETER WRIGHT has been urged to step away from professional darts and cash in on a move into REALITY TV!
The World No31 endured a difficult last year, failing to reach a major semi-final for the first time since 2012.
Wright, 55, also went without a title for the first time since 2011 and suffered an early World Championship exit, losing in the second round to debutant Arno Merk.
Former pro Matt Edgar believes Wright’s days on the PDC circuit are numbered, but says his profile makes him a natural fit for mainstream television.
He told the Mission Darts Podcast: “If I was Peter Wright now — Peter Wright is in a very privileged position.
“He’s a very recognisable face and he’s been offered in the past to do some very big shows, mainstream sort of shows.
“You know, your reality shows — your Big Brothers, those sorts of things.
“If I was Peter Wright, I would say this is my last year playing professional darts.
“Being the last year will reduce the judgement. Because right now, people are watching him, judging him and going, ‘No, no, no.’
“If you say, ‘Look, this is going to be my last year,’ people stop judging and start enjoying Peter Wright.
“He can drop the Snakebite character that he’s talked about wanting to drop before, and he can just be Peter Wright — and people can enjoy him.
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“When he gets on a European Tour and things, people go, ‘This is amazing’, and they see Peter Wright.
“Rather than seeing Peter Wright and thinking, ‘I’m just seeing a shadow of Peter Wright.’”
Wright’s extravagant appearances consisting of bold fashion choices and continuously changing hair colours for his iconic mohawk have made him stand out on the oche.
Edgar feels the two-time world champ has plenty of lucrative options waiting for him away from the sport.
He added: “On top of that, he’s then got lots of options outside the sport moving forward.
“It gives him the opportunity to bow out with a lot of grace, because Peter Wright has been very influential on the sport.
“I think what we’re getting right now is not the Peter Wright.”
Wright was told to retire from the sport by bitter rival Michael van Gerwen after his Ally Pally exit in December.
The Flying Dutchman said: “I’m not really surprised by his performance because he’s been playing c*** lately. I think it’s time for him to retire anyway.”
