The world of sports broadcasting is full of high-pressure moments, live mishaps, and unexpected interactions that become instant talking points. One such unforgettable incident involved popular presenter Laura Woods, who recently opened up about an awkward on-camera moment that left her mortified: accidentally kissing a darts legend on the lips during a post-match interview.
The encounter took place while Woods was hosting coverage for Sky Sports, interviewing Steve Beaton, the former BDO World Champion affectionately nicknamed the “Bronzed Adonis” for his striking looks and charismatic presence on the oche. Beaton, now 61, remains a respected figure in the sport, known for his longevity and fan appeal that has spanned decades. After wrapping up the interview, the pair went to part ways in what should have been a routine gesture.
Woods explained the sequence of events with characteristic humor and self-deprecation during an appearance on the Happy Hour podcast. She had extended her hand for a shake, the standard professional farewell in such settings. Beaton, however, leaned in for a hug—a common friendly move in the close-knit darts community. Caught in the crossfire of mismatched intentions, the moment escalated into something far more unexpected.
“He then realised I was in for the kiss so he turned and we kissed on the lips,” Woods recounted, reliving the cringe. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, what have I done?'” The accidental peck landed squarely, leaving no room for ambiguity. She immediately felt the impact, describing how she “had my head in my hands” in the aftermath. “The guys were like, ‘Are you alright?’ I had my head in my hands and was like, ‘I just kissed the Bronzed Adonis on the mouth and I felt his beard.'”
The embarrassment hit hard and fast. Woods admitted she feared she had committed a major faux pas, worrying that the slip could land her in serious trouble or spark unwanted headlines. “I thought I was going to be in big trouble,” she reflected, highlighting the brief panic that followed the mix-up. In the heat of the moment, the physical sensation of Beaton’s beard only amplified her mortification, turning a simple greeting into a story she still cringes about years later.
Despite the awkwardness, the incident carried no lasting fallout. Both parties handled it with good grace—Beaton’s reaction appears to have been understanding, and the moment passed without derailing the broadcast or their professional rapport. Woods has since shared the anecdote light-heartedly, showcasing her relatable personality that has endeared her to fans across football, darts, and beyond. Her storytelling on the podcast blended humor with genuine embarrassment, making the tale resonate as a classic live-TV blooper rather than anything scandalous.
Moments like these remind viewers that even seasoned presenters aren’t immune to human error under the bright lights. Darts, with its intimate stage setups and post-match interviews right on the floor, often breeds these spontaneous interactions. Beaton, with his enduring charm and nickname that nods to his tanned, athletic appearance, was perhaps the perfect “victim” for such a viral mishap—his reputation as a heart-throb added an extra layer of amusement to the retelling.
Woods’ willingness to revisit the story publicly speaks to her confidence and sense of fun. She didn’t shy away from the details, owning the blunder while poking fun at herself. Fans have embraced the admission, seeing it as endearing proof that behind the polished presenting lies a real person prone to the same awkward encounters anyone might face.
In the fast-paced world of sports media, where every second is scrutinized, stories like this bring a touch of levity. They humanize the figures we watch on screen, turning potential embarrassment into shared laughter. For Woods, the accidental kiss remains a memorable footnote in her career—one she can now recount with a smile, beard sensation and all. As darts continues to captivate global audiences and presenters like Woods keep the energy flowing, these light-hearted mishaps only add to the sport’s colorful charm.