Colin Lloyd is preparing to take to the oche with some of darts’ biggest names on Friday night.

The Colchester professional will join the likes of Adrian Lewis, Wayne Mardle and Eric Bristow at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, for the annual Masters of Darts event.

Lloyd, nicknamed Jaws, will take on Dave Chisnall at the exhibition event, which also features Keith Deller, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright.

The 41-year-old former world number one is looking forward to performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, in his home county of Essex.

Lloyd said: “I’m really looking forward to it and it’s always a lot of fun to play there, at a traditional darts venue.

“I’m an Essex boy through and through and I’m proud of my roots, so I always love playing there.

“It’s always a great night and it’s nice to float around and meet people and sign autographs.

“The vast difference between playing in an exhibition match and playing in a competition is that the exhibition is just a show.

“You still want to throw good darts and you want to do well in front of a crowd.

“But the great thing about somewhere like the Circus Tavern is that you can interact with those who are watching.

“You can have a laugh with them and at the end of the night, you know you’re going to be handed an envelope with your pay cheque.

“That’s the difference because when you take part in a tournament and you go out in the first round, you get paid nothing.”

Lloyd, who has been busy taking part in exhibition matches over recent weeks, will use the Masters of Darts event as an opportunity to continue his preparations for his forthcoming Players Championship event.

The former World Matchplay champion added: “I’m practising well and everything seems to be going nicely.”