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'Then I got back and there was no water': From being pooed on by a bird to hotel drama, Gemma Hayter's chaotic start to Blackpool debut

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 2:12 PM ET

Gemma Hayter’s long-awaited debut at the Women’s World Matchplay has already delivered drama — and she hasn’t even thrown a dart yet. From an unfortunate encounter with a seagull en route to the venue to discovering her hotel had no running water, the Englishwoman’s Blackpool bow has been far from smooth. But with a sense of humour and a grounded attitude, Hayter is determined to take it all in her stride.

“Yeah, I’m really excited,” she told Dartsnews.com in her pre-Women's World Matchplay press conference. “My partner kept asking me all week if I was nervous, and I wasn’t… until I walked in here today. Then it hit me!”

Having narrowly missed out on qualification last year, Hayter admits the confirmation of her place brought a huge sense of relief.

“When you look at the players who didn’t make it – like Aileen de Graaf or Mikuru Suzuki – it just shows how strong the field is. I’m very grateful to be here.”

A return after eight years away

Hayter’s road to Blackpool hasn’t been straightforward. She spent eight years away from the sport before returning just over a year ago. While she’s been rebuilding her game, she’s also had to deal with pressure and expectation.

“People remember the player I was eight years ago and expect me to still be at that level. That adds pressure,” she admitted. “But I’ve been working hard, especially on my scoring. It used to be a big part of my game, but I drift into the five more than I’d like now. The focus is on consistency.”

Letting the darts do the talking

Although she’s played on camera in the MODUS Super Series – in both the women’s and men’s weeks – Hayter knows the Winter Gardens is a different beast. “This is by far the biggest venue I’ve ever played in. Maybe the biggest I’ll ever play. I’m just trying to stay calm and let the darts do the talking.”

She’s drawn Fallon Sherrock in the quarter-finals – a challenge she embraces.

“She’s been in so many high-pressure situations, and she always rises to it. I don’t think the pressure is on her at all. I just want to enjoy it.”

A rocky start in Blackpool

Hayter’s trip to Blackpool got off to a chaotic start – including a run-in with a seagull and a hotel with no running water. “We were waiting at the traffic lights and something hit my hair. I said to my partner, ‘That’s a bird, isn’t it?’ She just said, ‘Yes.’ Then I got back to the hotel – and there was no water. Brilliant!”

Still, she’s trying to see the humour in it.

“Apparently getting pooed on by a bird is good luck… so I’m holding onto that!”

Passion for the women’s game

Off the oche, Hayter is known for being a passionate advocate for greater exposure in the women’s game. From calling out the lack of highlight reels to rallying for increased media attention, she’s been vocal – and effective. “I didn’t speak to the PDC directly, but I had a bit of a rant on social media and now the finals are being uploaded. That’s progress, but highlights would show more players – not just the finalists.”

She believes growth must be a collective effort. “It needs to come from the media, from inside the game, and from fans. So many women are putting in the hours but don’t get the recognition.”

Social media presence and walk-on nerves

Hayter’s active presence online has earned her support, but she remains modest.

“I just waffle, really. I’m not sure if people like me or not!”

She even turned to her followers for walk-on music suggestions. “Someone said Black Sabbath – good shout – but I already had my song picked. I was just anxious, thinking of all the things that could go wrong!”

No pressure, just progress

Now 32, Hayter is often mentioned alongside Beau Greaves when it comes to talent and potential. But she’s realistic about timing and expectations. “I don’t feel that young compared to Beau anymore,” she laughed. “She’s 21 and has achieved so much already. I’ve always had a bit of a complex about doing too much too soon, so I’m just taking things step by step.”

As for her goals? The World Championship is on the radar, but she won’t place unnecessary pressure on herself. “If it happens, great. If not, we go again next year.”

As she prepares for her first walk onto the big stage, Gemma Hayter brings a refreshing mix of humour, humility and hunger. And if the bird incident is truly a sign of luck, Fallon Sherrock might just have a fight on her hands.