Walk-on girls: One of UK's first darts girls blasts PC ban
PH / EPA Karen Jean Cookson hit out at banning walk-on girls in darts and F1
The model from Blackpool now runs the Angels Elite agency, managing darts walk-on girls Daniella Allfree and Charlotte Wood. Yesterday she revealed her devastation at their ban by the Professional Darts Corporation and Formula One’s decision to end the use of grid girls. She said: “I was one of the first darts walk-on girls when it was trialled in the 1990s at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. "It was to create a more glamorous occasion and the atmosphere was amazing."
PH Karen was one of the UK's first darts walk-on girls during the 1990s
I chose to do it and today’s girls also choose to do it – but now their livelihoods are being taken away. Many have children and it’s their career. Where’s it going to stop? This is political correctness going too far. Karen Jean Cookson
“I chose to do it and today’s girls also choose to do it – but now their livelihoods are being taken away. “Many have children and it’s their career. Where’s it going to stop? This is political correctness going too far.” Karen, Sue Knight and Samanaha Hearn were the first TV darts walk-on girls in 1994. Karen stressed that “glamour is part of the entertainment business”. She added: “Every girl who has done it has absolutely loved it. They are not intimidated, they are respected and choose what they want to wear. “This is taking a woman’s choice away from her. We don’t interfere with anyone else’s job, so why are they interfering in ours?”
GETTY The PDC announced it was banning the girls yesterday
The hottest walk-on girls at the darts Thu, December 14, 2017 Express Sport brings you the best snaps of the hottest walk on girls at the darts Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 9 Hottest walk on girls at the darts
After the darts ban was announced this week, Jade Slusarczyk, 32, a walk-on girl for seven years, said: “Some people say having walk-on girls is demeaning or degrading but I do not feel degraded at all. I don’t wear skimpy outfits, I wear classy, knee-length dresses. “I have never been made to feel uncomfortable and there’s never been anything untoward. It’s like a big sporting family.” The Professional Darts Corporation said: “We regularly review all aspects of our events. This move has been made following feedback from our host broadcasters.” Meanwhile several grid girls have criticised Formula One’s decision to also abolish their role in the sport.