The World Darts Championship may be dominated by the precision and pressure of elite throwers like Luke Littler, but the action at Alexandra Palace is not limited to what happens at the oche.
Each year, the festive tournament is also known for its lively atmosphere, packed crowds, and high-energy entertainment — including the dancers who help bring the iconic Ally Pally experience to life.
Among this year’s troupe is a familiar face that reality TV fans may instantly recognise.
One of the official PDC darts dancers performing throughout the championship is none other than Lacey Edwards, a former Love Island bombshell who appeared on the ITV dating show in 2022.
Lacey, now 29, rose to public attention during the eighth series of Love Island, which also featured Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma Owen and Adam Collard, now engaged to sports presenter Laura Woods.
Originally from Swindon, Lacey entered the villa later in the series as a bombshell contestant, arriving with the confidence and energy that quickly made her stand out.
She joined the show on Day 45 and wasted little time making an impact, coupling up with Deji Adeniyi shortly after her arrival.
Although her stint in the villa was brief, Lacey’s presence didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, thanks to her outgoing personality and unapologetic approach to turning heads.
However, her Love Island journey came to an early end. After just four days in Casa Amor in Mallorca, Lacey and Deji were voted the “least compatible” couple by their fellow islanders, leading to their exit from the show.
By the time the series wrap party arrived, the pair had gone their separate ways.
Reflecting on her time in the villa, Lacey has previously spoken candidly about the experience, describing it as “short and sweet.”
She admitted she relished entering as a bombshell and enjoyed the challenge of testing existing relationships.
Despite their split, Lacey later revealed that she and Deji remained in regular contact for some time after leaving the show, even joking publicly about waiting for him to finally ask her on a proper date.
While Love Island introduced Lacey to a wider audience, dancing has always been a major part of her professional life.
Her appearance at the World Darts Championship is not a one-off moment but the result of years of training and performance experience.
Lacey made her debut as a darts dancer at last year’s World Championships after successfully auditioning for the role.
Her performance clearly impressed PDC organisers, who invited her back for a second consecutive year — a sign of the high standards required for the role.
She is now an established member of the official PDC Darts Dancers group, a carefully selected team tasked with keeping energy levels high inside Ally Pally during one of the most-watched events on the darts calendar.
The dancers have become a recognisable part of the championship’s identity, contributing to its unique blend of sport and spectacle.
Away from the world of televised sport and reality TV, Lacey has built a diverse and disciplined career.
In addition to her work as a professional dancer, she is also a qualified flexibility coach and Pilates instructor, helping clients improve strength, mobility, and balance.
Her commitment to fitness and wellness is reflected across her social media presence, where she regularly shares workout routines, behind-the-scenes moments from performances, travel highlights, and snapshots from her personal life.
Lacey has amassed more than 38,000 followers on Instagram, where fans continue to follow her journey beyond Love Island.
Now in a relationship with her boyfriend James, Lacey appears to be thriving both professionally and personally.
Her return to the World Darts Championship highlights how many former reality TV stars successfully transition into long-term careers beyond the villa — particularly those with strong professional foundations.
As the World Darts Championship continues through the festive season, fans may find themselves watching more than just the scoreboard.
For some, spotting familiar faces like Lacey Edwards adds another layer of entertainment to an already electric atmosphere at Ally Pally.
From the Love Island villa to the world’s biggest darts stage, Lacey’s journey is a reminder that reality TV can be just one chapter in a much broader career — especially when talent, discipline, and timing align.