Pop star Olly Murs received a hostile reception from the crowd at Alexandra Palace yesterday when cameras picked him out during the World Darts Championship.
The 41-year-old singer, best known for hits including Heart Skips a Beat, attended the 13th day of the tournament but found himself on the receiving end of loud boos when his face appeared on the venue's big screen.
The frosty welcome seemingly stems from a social media post the former X Factor contestant made nearly seven years ago, which resurfaced following the incident.
Darts supporters have clearly not forgotten his criticism of their behaviour at a previous championship event.
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In January 2018, Murs was in attendance at the World Championship final between Phil Taylor and Rob Cross when spectators began chanting against the 16-time world champion.
The singer took to X, then known as Twitter, to express his displeasure at the crowd's behaviour.
"People at the darts screaming 'Boring, Boring Taylor' honestly grow up!" he wrote at the time.
Pop star Olly Murs received a hostile reception from the crowd at Alexandra Palace yesterday when cameras picked him out during the World Darts Championship
|GETTY
"You're watching a true great at his sport. He didn't win 16 world titles being boring."
The post clearly struck a nerve with the darts community, who demonstrated yesterday that they have long memories when it comes to perceived slights against their passionate matchday atmosphere.
Cross ultimately triumphed in that 2018 final against Taylor, claiming the world title in what was his first appearance at the championship.
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Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWSDuring his visit to Ally Pally yesterday, Murs witnessed several notable matches unfold on the oche.
The afternoon session delivered a significant shock when two-time world champion Peter Wright suffered elimination at the hands of amateur player Arno Merk.
Murs also watched Ryan Meikle, Callan Rydz and Jermaine Wattimena all secure victories to progress to the last 32 of the competition.
Earlier in the week, the singer had been at the venue on Monday to see Charlie Manby record a comprehensive whitewash win over Adam Sevada.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Murs confirmed his enthusiasm for the sport, describing himself as a keen darts follower who particularly enjoyed Manby's dominant performance earlier in the week.
Beyond his interest in darts, the Essex-born performer is a devoted Manchester United fan and once held a co-ownership stake in non-league club Coggeshall Town.
Olly Murs appeared to be in good spirits at the World Darts Championship
|PA
More recently, Murs has turned his attention to boxing and has indicated he is prepared to begin sparring as he considers stepping into the ring himself.
The singer has spent four years training alongside super-welterweight boxer Sam Gilley, a partnership that has sparked a genuine passion for the sport.
Last month, on Instagram, Murs said he was done with making music.
"Murs army, morning! Yes album eight is out – Knees Up. The end, the last one, 15 years of hard graft comes down to this," he said.
"I hope you guys enjoy the last ever Murs album. I've loved every minute of it.
"Time for me to hang the mic up. Last show is December 8th. Can't wait – let's have it. I'll see you all on the flip side."