Stephen Bunting gets embraced by unlikely daytime TV host during Premier League Darts walk-on

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.

Viewers were quick to recognise who the famous fan was

Fans were also curious about what words were exchanged

And as the World No. 5 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 warmly embrace him.

He then pulled Bunting‘s face close and said something in the ear of the Bahrain Masters champ that left fans curious.

And when the oche ace strolled off to the stage, his admirer whipped out a poster for the TV cameras saying “BELFAST IS BUNTING!”

One fan then revealed the broadcaster’s identity – by revealing the Northern Irishman was a “friend” of the Talking Snooker Podcast.

Other observers 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 such as 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 others quickly pointed out: “Looks like Colin Murray is Bunting Mental.”

Colin Murray greeted Bunting like an old pal

Murray then paraded a ‘BELFAST IS BUNTING’ poster

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 KO’d him 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.

Bunting’s Prem bow came a day after claiming he was “lucky to be alive” after being “really down in the doldrums” and nearly quitting darts at one stage.