Ricky Evans reveals post-Christmas walk-on song switch at World Darts Championship

‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans teased that he will be bringing back a fan favourite walk-on song after Christmas at the World Darts Championship.

Evans booked his place in the third round by dumping out third seed James Wade in an epic 3-2 victory at Ally Pally.

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The colourful character took to the stage in a festive shirt and roast turkey hat and walked out to ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stevens.

He even brought a dancing Santa toy with him to the oche.

But as his third-round match at the Worlds, which will be against Charlie Manby, will be after Christmas, he needs a rethink for his walk-on.

Joining talkSPORT Breakfast, Evans said: “It’ll probably be Madonna. It went down a treat last year. For someone that is not the biggest fan of the song, the crowd seemed to love it. 

“I reckon I could walk onto anything and they’d sing along.

“So it’ll probably be Madonna and it’ll be a different shirt. The Christmas shirt will be gone. The Christmas strides will be gone.

“But it’ll still be the same funny me. It’ll still be the same fun, same character.”

Last year at Alexandra Palace, Rapid Ricky came out to Like A Prayer by Madonna and that looks set to return.

Ally Pally atmosphere

Evans is one of the most popular players on the tour and he admitted he loves the atmosphere at the World Championships.

He said: “It’s amazing. For someone that’s just a dart player really from Kettering, to hear them like thousands sing your name every single time I’m on that stage… I get goosebumps just thinking about it. 

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“Keep going, lads. Keep cheering me on.”

When asked if it can affect his concentration levels, he added: “It’s brilliant when you’re winning, but there’s obviously the odd idiot now and then when they whistle. 

“When they whistle, that’s the off-putting part. The rest, they can sing and joke, sing along, everything. Carry on.

“It’s the odd whistle. That’s what we’re trying to stamp out of the game. That’s the only thing us players hate.

“The Christmas parties, they’re in full swing and they’re all cheering your name. There’s no better feeling.

“There’s literally no better feeling in darts.”

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Should he beat Manby, next up would likely be the red hot Gian van Veen, who demolished Alan Soutar with a 108 average. 

When asked about his title chances, Evans added: “There’s no point in turning up if you don’t believe you’re going to win. So I can’t wait. I just want to know when I play now. That’s the only thing.

“As soon as the schedule’s out, I’ll be hitting the practice board.”