I’m a former darts world champion… now I earn £9-an-hour stacking shelves at Co-op

A FORMER world darts champion has traded in his sporting career to stack shelves at his local Co-op.

After a neck injury forced him to quit the sport, the champ took up a £9-per-hour job in Sheffield.

Retired "John Boy" Walton, 58, was previously known for winning the 2001 BDO World Darts Championship.

He made the unlikely career move in 2018, saying: “It’s a complete 180, but I love it.”

BBC host Dan Walker revealed the champ’s new life on Twitter as he recognised him while shopping at the store.

Walton told the Sunday : “We looked at each other, we both recognised each other – it was quite surreal.

“I couldn’t remember his name at the time but he knew mine.

“He asked me where the ice cream cones were but we had sold out.”

The dad-of-five, known for using Rednex hit Cotton Eye Joe as his entrance music, won the 2001 title at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey.

He took home the £46,000 prize despite the odds - stacked against him as a 50-1 outsider.

He beat former world darts champion Ted Hankey.

But his darts career came to an abrupt end.

He said: “I couldn’t play in tournaments because I wasn’t cutting it. I’ve been at the Co-op for two years now.

"I work part-time, one or two days a week. It’s not a financial thing, it’s just... to keep me occupied.

“I’ve struck up a load of friendships, and it’s nice to give something back to the community.”