Wayne Mardle and Dave Clark simply couldn’t hold it together — and darts fans still can’t get enough of the moment.
The now-iconic clip resurfaced recently, showing Dutch darts player Jerry Hendriks turning a standard post-match interview into one of the funniest live-TV moments in World Championship history. After his first-round defeat to two-time champion Peter Wright at Alexandra Palace, Hendriks remained upbeat, smiling and embracing his opponent before stepping in front of the camera. Then came the line that sent the studio into chaos: he admitted he “felt like a fish on the stage.”
What followed was television at its most delightfully unfiltered.
Back in the studio, Dave Clark tried to relay Hendriks’ comment with a straight face, but the moment he repeated “he felt like a fish,” the entire panel crumbled. Wayne Mardle was the first to crack; Clark tried to continue, but the laughter overwhelmed him. Between gasps for air, Clark managed to blurt out, “I can’t pull myself together!” while Mardle, equally helpless, exclaimed, “This man can’t control himself!”
Every attempt to return to the analysis failed. Each time one of them tried to regain composure, another wave of laughter hit. At one point, Mardle suggested, “Shall we talk darts?” — a line that only made the situation even funnier. With the hosts completely unable to remain professional, production eventually cut away to highlights, giving them time to recover.
What makes the moment so memorable is its mix of spontaneity, personality, and pure human reaction. Darts, especially on the Alexandra Palace stage, is known for its intensity — booming crowds, dramatic finishes, players battling through pressure. But clips like this remind fans why the sport’s presentation resonates so deeply: it’s raw, unscripted, and completely unpredictable.
Hendriks’ comment itself added another layer of charm. In a tournament known for high averages and pressure moments, hearing a player describe his on-stage experience in such an odd, vivid way — “like a fish” — was refreshing. It showed his charisma, even in defeat, and his ability to bring levity to a high-stakes environment. The sportsmanship he displayed — sharing a warm embrace with Wright and wishing fans a merry Christmas — only made the moment more endearing.
For the broadcasters, the meltdown was a reminder that even seasoned professionals are vulnerable to the unexpected. Live TV demands composure, but every once in a while, something slips through the cracks and becomes pure comedy gold. The chemistry between Clark and Mardle, both known for their humour and quick reactions, amplified the moment into something unforgettable.
Fans continue to revisit the clip not because of the match result, but because it captures the heart of why people love live sport. It’s not always about averages, checkouts, or tournament progression. Sometimes the magic lies in the unscripted — a stray phrase, an offbeat description, or two presenters reduced to tears of laughter.
As the World Championship rolls around each year and new stories emerge, this moment stands as a reminder that darts isn’t just about competition. It’s entertainment. And every so often, a player saying he “felt like a fish” on one of the biggest stages in the sport creates a piece of folklore that fans will laugh about for years to come.
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