Sky Sports presenter Polly James has defended herself against critics of her neck tattoos while covering this year’s PDC World Darts Championship.
The 38-year-old, who conducts post-match interviews with players at the prestigious tournament, has faced increased scrutiny over her visible rose tattoo that appears above her collar.
Speaking to The Mirror, James revealed she receives “a lot of crap” about her neck tattoo but remains unfazed by the criticism.
The presenter emphasised that while comments about her appearance don’t affect her, she wishes people would focus on judging her professional work instead.
Polly James has hit back at critics over her tattoos
James has been a prominent figure in darts coverage since joining Sky Sports in 2020, following her initial entry into the sport through Premier League post-match interviews in 2019.
Her connection with darts dates back to 2009 when she first visited Alexandra Palace, though she initially hesitated about mixing her passion for the sport with work.
Primarily working as a radio DJ, James has expanded her broadcasting portfolio to include the Late Night Football Club and BBC One’s coverage during Wales’ 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
“I get on with a lot of darts people,” she told The Mirror.
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“I am in such a privileged position to do what I do.”
“I do get a lot of c*** about the neck tattoo. More so now, but that is because there are more eyes on darts, but it goes over my head,” James told The Mirror.
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Polly James has been covering the World Darts Championship for Sky Sports this year
She added: “Say what you like about my appearance, I do not give a… but please don’t criticise my work, because that really hits hard and that generally doesn’t happen.”
Speaking to The Sun, James emphasised her resilience to online criticism: “I do have rhino skin when it comes to the social media hate about my tattoos.”
“You have to be like that when you work on a platform with radio and TV. Even though I have that hard shell, I can still be soft.”
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Polly James gave reasons for her tattoos, including one that reads ‘Family’
James revealed the personal significance behind her tattoos in her conversation with The Sun.
“I have ‘Family’ on one side of my neck and a rose on the other side. There’s such a poignant reason for the words because my big family mean so much to me,” she explained.
The presenter maintains that her work quality should be the focus of public attention rather than her appearance.
“I really take pride in my work so I just wish sometimes people would judge me on my work, not my appearance,” she stated.