In the vibrant world of professional darts, where personality and pizzazz are as crucial as precision, Jonny Clayton, the Welsh darts maestro known as “The Ferret,” has carved out a reputation as one of the sport’s most beloved figures. With a career boasting four PDC major titles, including a memorable 2021 Premier League triumph, Clayton’s journey from plasterer to darts superstar is a testament to his grit and talent. Yet, in a recent lighthearted revelation, the 50-year-old Welshman jokingly pointed the finger at his wife, Ellen, for a decision that he claims cost him thousands in potential earnings. The culprit? A vetoed walk-on song choice that could have rivaled the electric atmosphere created by Nathan Aspinall’s iconic entrance to *Mr. Brightside* by The Killers.
Clayton, currently ranked world number five on the PDC Order of Merit, shared the anecdote on the *Tops and Tales* podcast, reflecting on how close he came to adopting the now-iconic anthem. “Well, right, you couldn’t believe this or not,” Clayton chuckled, “but I think Ellen, my wife, has cost me thousands in the Premier League because the walk-on song I wanted was *Mr. Brightside*. Serious to God. So I blame Ellen. Yeah, it was *Mr. Brightside*, and she said, ‘No, I think something else. I don’t think that would be good.’ So it’s her fault.” The quip, delivered with Clayton’s signature humor, underscores the importance of a walk-on song in darts—a moment that can electrify crowds and boost a player’s popularity, potentially leading to more lucrative opportunities in high-stakes tournaments like the Premier League.
The song *Mr. Brightside* has become synonymous with Nathan Aspinall, whose entrances are met with fans belting out the lyrics across European arenas. Aspinall’s choice has elevated his profile, with some rivals, like Dave Chisnall and Mike De Decker, suggesting his Premier League inclusion owes much to the song’s crowd-pleasing appeal. Clayton, who has missed out on the Premier League in recent years, humorously lamented that adopting *Mr. Brightside* could have kept him in the tournament’s spotlight, where nightly wins offer £10,000 and advancing to the finals yields even greater rewards. “I have told Nathan,” Clayton added with a laugh. “He just goes, ‘Thank you, Ellen.’”
Instead of *Mr. Brightside*, Clayton walks on to *Johnny B. Goode* by Chuck Berry, a nod to his name that has won him a loyal following. “It’s still iconic in its own way, you know. It’s got my name in it,” he said, embracing the choice that has become a fan favorite. The upbeat classic suits Clayton’s approachable persona, but he can’t help but wonder what might have been had he stuck with his initial instinct. His decision to go with *Johnny B. Goode* came with advice he once shared on *That Peter Crouch Podcast*: “The only tip I got was, pick a song that everybody knows and likes. So if they like your song, they might like you!” Clearly, the strategy worked, as Clayton remains one of the PDC’s most well-liked players.
Clayton’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows. He and Gerwyn Price narrowly missed out on the World Cup of Darts title, falling 10-9 to Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney in a thrilling Frankfurt final. Despite the loss, Clayton’s £557,750 in earnings over the past two years reflects his consistency, bolstered by victories at Players Championship 14 in April and the Dutch Darts Championship in May. His 2021 Premier League win, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen 10-8 in the semifinals and José de Sousa 11-5 in the final to claim £250,000, remains a career highlight. Yet, personal challenges, including the loss of his father in 2023, tested his passion for the game. “For the last year, I’ve not been bothered at all,” Clayton admitted after a recent World Grand Prix win, “but now there’s fire in the belly again. The new Ferret is back.”
As Clayton prepares for upcoming tournaments, his playful jab at Ellen highlights the camaraderie and humor that define his character. With *Johnny B. Goode* blaring and Welsh flags waving in the crowd, Clayton continues to charm fans, proving that while *Mr. Brightside* might have been a missed opportunity, his talent and charisma keep him shining brightly on the oche.
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