Former world darts champion John ‘Boy’ Walton has swapped bullseyes for busy aisles, working at his local Co-op.
The retired oche ace, 58, said: “It’s a complete 180, but I love it.”
The 2001 BDO world champ’s new life was revealed on Twitter by BBC host Dan Walker, who was shopping at the store.
Walton told the Sunday Mirror: “We looked at each other, we both recognised each other – it was quite surreal.
“I couldn’t remember his name at the time but he knew mine.
“He asked me where the ice cream cones were but we had sold out.”
The dad-of-five, known for using Rednex hit song Cotton Eye Joe as his entrance music, won the 2001 title at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey. He pocketed the £46,000 prize despite being a 50-1 outsider.
Mr Walton took up a job at the £9-per-hour Co-op in Sheffield in 2018, when a neck injury forced him to quit darts.
He said: “I couldn’t play in tournaments because I wasn’t cutting it. I’ve been at the Co-op for two years now. I work part-time, one or two days a week. It’s not a financial thing, it’s just... to keep me occupied.
“I’ve struck up a load of friendships, and it’s nice to give something back to the community.”
