Stephen Bunting is about to take part in the 2026 Premier League Darts competition but he will be sure to ignore the noise and give it his all.

Bunting is the most high-profile player in this year’s Premier League, with many viewing it as a battle between ‘The Bullet’ and Nathan Aspinall as to who will finish eighth.

The St Helens man was selected as a wild card and joins Luke Littler, Luke Humphreys, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Josh Locke and Gervin Price on darts’ biggest roadshow.

While there has been much reaction on social media to Bunting’s status in the Premier League, he insists he doesn’t mind the negative comments.

Instead, he’s focused on being better than 2025, his best year ever in the PDC, and showing why he must be included.

“It’s my management and my wife who are looking at the social media side of things,” Bunting told like darts.

“I still see the odd comment but people are very negative, they’re not fans and some of them are just idiots and they jump on the bandwagon and say you’re not doing a good job.

“They put these stories out. If I believed half of what I read on social media, I would have packed my bags.

“I know I need to work harder and I have no illusions. I need to get fitter and stay on top of my game.

“I’m currently ranked seventh in the world, which to be fair is not a bad position, but I’d like to move up the rankings again.

“I know that not only people online but also experts were surprised by my choice.

“What I will say to them is that last year I won six titles, reached 10 finals, had one of the highest averages in tournaments, especially at the Players Championship, won European events.

“This has been the best season I’ve had at PDC since my move from BDO and the fan base is continuing to build.”

“Relief” when flights are delayed

Bunting and Aspinall were together when Bunting found out they were being left out and the latter knew there was no room for them.

Their flight home from the exhibition was delayed and Bunting admitted he felt “relieved” when he finally knew he had secured his place.

“I was sitting with Nathan (Aspinall) when we found out.

“Obviously I was very confident that I could get into the Premier League – I was fourth in the world for 10 months of the year.

“I had a good start to the year but not the best end, so I can understand why people said I shouldn’t play.

“I still feel like I have a lot to give. Not just darts but the fan base, walk-ons, that kind of stuff.

“Apparently they were in the last hours before the announcement and I didn’t find out until about 10 minutes before the actual announcement.

“I had a little fist bump on the plane, we were delayed on the plane and Nathan was sitting two seats away from me.

“So, he knew I was in. It was a relief. I knew I needed to work hard again this year to make sure I was in next year.”

“I’ve always wanted to be part of the Premier League. I didn’t have the best results last year but I showed I’m a fighter and I ended up winning a night in Berlin.

“In some of my performances I probably beat myself up more than I should have.

“I believe my race average last year was one of the highest, so there are some positives and I believe I can learn from last year’s experience into this year.”

Tough World Darts Championship

The reaction to his move to the Premier League follows a social media backlash against the World Darts Championship, with Bunting describing himself as the “people’s champion”.

Bunting hopes to get over the difficult period of his son’s illness and ensure that the “best version” of Bullet is released in 2026.

“Please don’t mention ‘The People’s Champion,'” Bunting added.

“I think people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes before Worlds. On Christmas Day, Theo and I were in Zone A and Zone E until 2am.

“I’ve never been one to make excuses, so I didn’t say that publicly.

“I did four exhibitions before heading off to a world I wasn’t very good at. I had coughs and colds and got really sick, but I still managed to get through it.

“I went into the world unprepared and not feeling my greatest, and that obviously led me down a dangerous path.

“I’m going to take it a little easier on tour this year, I’m going to plan my diary better, take care of myself and put my best foot forward.”

Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts League? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can watch the match every Thursday on Sky Sports from February 5 in Newcastle to May 28 at London’s O2 Arena. Live stream darts and more top sports with NOW.