John McDonald will return as master of ceremonies on Friday evening for the special darts event ‘Beat Luke Littler’. The former PDC announcer retired at the start of this year but will pick up the microphone for a one-off appearance in Manchester. Littler himself reportedly requested the 66-year-old’s return.

McDonald was a familiar face at major PDC tournaments for almost two decades. Introducing players to the stage, he became one of the most recognisable voices in darts before bringing his PDC career to an end after January’s World Championship final.

His farewell coincided with a second world title for ‘The Nuke’. The then 18-year-old beat Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final to collect £1 million in prize money. That was McDonald’s last major televised appearance, but he will now return for one more night.

McDonald was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame upon his retirement

Littler personally requested McDonald’s return

The occasion is ‘Beat Luke Littler’, a special live Netflix broadcast in which 20 challengers will have the chance to take on the reigning world champion. Each participant needs to win just one leg of 501 to claim the £501,000 prize.

For McDonald, the invitation came as a welcome surprise. Speaking to The Sun, he confirmed he was happy to make an exception for the event: “It's a special event and for that reason I'll come out and do it.”

According to the former PDC announcer, the idea did not come solely from the organisers. The star of the show had apparently suggested bringing him back. “Evidently in the production meeting, Luke Littler said they should get me. I thought that was nice. He's a nice kid.”

McDonald is looking forward to appearing on screen again following his retirement. Although his time with the PDC has ended, his enthusiasm for darts remains: “I'm looking forward to being back on tele, back entertaining, and once again darts is the winner.”

The special takes place at Manchester Central on Friday evening, 30 October, with Gary Lineker and Richard Osman presenting.