FANS noticed Stephen Bunting being grabbed by a media celebrity as he strode out for his final Countdown on Premier League Darts’ first night.
Man of the people Bunting lapped up his brilliant reception in Belfast.
And as he walked out, signing autographs and shaking hands, viewers were left asking “Is it or isn’t it?” by one greeting.
A man stretched from the crowd to haul in the World No 5 with a hug.
He then pulled his face close and said something in the ear of the oche ace that left fans curious.
And when Bunting strolled off to the stage, his admirer whipped out a poster for the TV cameras saying “BELFAST IS BUNTING!”
One fan revealed the broadcaster’s identity – by revealing the Northern Irishman was a “friend” of the Talking Snooker Podcast.
Other observers finally clicked that the 47-year-old in question was Colin Murray – the presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown but also well known for BBC Sports roles, most notably fronting Match of the Day 2.
One fan joked: “Haha I just saw the walkon and thought: wow that mate of Bunting’s doesn’t half look like Colin Murray!”
And of course others were quick to point out: “Looks like Colin Murray is Bunting Mental.”
Unfortunately for the 39-year-old his “celebrity endorsement” didn’t do him much good at the oche.
Instead it was the Countdown to being counted out as fellow Englishman Rob Cross dumped him out 6-4 in the first round.
But he was in good company as world champ Luke Littler was dispatched 6-5 at the same stage by his Ally Pally final victim Michael van Gerwen.
