ST HELENS darts ace Michael Smith has spoken out against the controversial decision by the PDC to axe its 'walk-on girls'.

The Professional Darts Corporation announced its walk-on models, a permanent fixture of the televised game, were to be no longer used with immediate effect, starting with last weekend's Masters.

Explaining the decision, a PDC spokesperson said that they "regularly review all aspects of our events and this move has been made following feedback from our host broadcasters".

Some have welcomed the move - citing the models as an archaic tradition.

Last year, world number one Michael van Gerwen had spoken in favour of such a move, saying in an interview with AD Sportwereld: "The PDC wants more people to see it as a sport. It does not interest me (walk-on girls). It is just a sport."

However, the ban has led to outrage from many darts fans, with more than 17,000 people signing an online petition to bring the girls back.

PDC walk-on girls Charlotte Wood and Daniella Allfree appeared on ITV's This Morning to discuss the issue.

The programme's preview stated the girls are claiming "PC nonsense" has resulted in them losing their jobs.

Meanwhile, journalist Sally Howard also appeared to argue in favour of the move stating women should not be paraded around "like brainless mascots".

Clock Face-based thrower Michael Smith, nicknamed 'Bully Boy' took to social media to speak in favour of the girls.

On Twitter he said: "I fully support @daniellaallfree and @Charl0ttewood on this morning. So after this now there shouldn't be a women's worlds because of gender pay or no volleyball for women, look how they dress. It's wrong @thismorning".