The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is renowned for its high-octane action, raucous crowds, and unforgettable post-match moments, and Joe Cullen delivered one of the funniest yet most awkward on December 14, 2025. The charismatic Yorkshireman, dubbed “The Rockstar,” powered through to a dominant 3-0 victory over Bradley Brooks in the first round, silencing any pre-match doubters who had oddly pegged him as the underdog despite his superior ranking. Cullen’s performance was electric: a tournament-high average of 99.33—his second-best ever on the Ally Pally stage—coupled with multiple maximum 180s and a reliable 50% success rate on checkouts. It was a statement win that propelled him into the next round with momentum.
But the true entertainment unfolded seconds after the final dart, during Cullen’s on-stage interview with the broadcaster’s presenter, Abigail Davies. Buzzed from the adrenaline and eager to celebrate his stellar average, Cullen was asked how it felt. In a cheeky bid to imitate Davies’ Welsh accent and reference the iconic British sitcom *Gavin and Stacey*—famous for its catchphrases like “cracking”—he enthusiastically replied: “Cracking, love, f****** cracking.” The expletive escaped in the heat of the moment, transforming an innocent nod to pop culture into an unintended X-rated blunder.
The reaction was priceless and immediate. Cullen’s expression shifted from triumph to sheer horror as he realized his mistake, grimacing awkwardly while the crowd erupted in a mix of gasps and laughter. Davies swiftly pulled the microphone away and issued a quick on-air apology to viewers: “We apologise.” Not missing a beat, Cullen jumped in with his own remorseful humor: “I didn’t mean to say that, I am sorry, that is a fine. I’ll pay it now!” His instant acceptance of the impending penalty—likely from the Darts Regulation Authority, which has fined players for similar profanity in the past—only amplified the comedy, turning a potential embarrassment into a endearing, self-deprecating highlight.
This incident perfectly captures Cullen’s larger-than-life personality, one that has made him a fan favorite in a sport brimming with characters. The 36-year-old has long prided himself on authenticity, often contrasting his candid style with the more rehearsed responses of others. He once reflected on this approach, noting how refreshing it can be for audiences tired of repetitive interviews. Yet, this raw edge has occasionally led to drama, as seen just a year prior when frustration boiled over after a win. Feeling undervalued despite his seeding and experience, Cullen delivered curt answers on stage before abruptly exiting a press conference, highlighting his passionate disdain for perceived disrespect from media and bookmakers.
In stark contrast, this year’s mishap was pure light-hearted fun, born from post-victory euphoria rather than irritation. Cullen’s win over Brooks not only booked his spot in the second round—where he could face Mensur Suljovic or David Cameron—but also kept dreams alive of deeper runs, potentially clashing with prodigies like teenage sensation Luke Littler. Staying grounded amid the hype, Cullen shared his pragmatic outlook: “If I’d had a favourable draw in the first round, I might have looked a bit further into the draw, but I knew I had to play well against Bradley, and I’m not looking past Mensur Suljovic or David Cameron. Littler is incredible. I do so many exhibitions with him and he’s just very, very good at darts.”
The blunder quickly went viral, with fans flooding social media to praise Cullen’s quick apology and good-natured response. Many argued for leniency, pointing out the unintentional nature, jovial context, and his immediate remorse—suggesting a simple warning might suffice rather than a hefty fine. Past precedents, like penalties handed to stars such as Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis for on-air or social media profanity, indicate some repercussion is probable, but the overwhelmingly positive reception could sway opinions.
As the tournament rolls on, moments like these remind everyone why the World Darts Championship captivates beyond the scores: it’s the blend of elite skill, raw emotion, and unscripted humanity that makes it must-watch television. Joe Cullen, with his rockstar flair and willingness to own his foibles, embodies that spirit perfectly—ensuring he’ll remain a highlight, whether nailing ton-plus averages or dropping accidental bombshells.
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