"It's England's Scotty Too Hotty, Scott Waites!"

A bit of the Fratellis for Waites, who is slapping so many hands on the way to the oche that he might not be able to hold his tungsten.

Image source, Rex

Here come the players...

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport

It's not just the two players who are feeling nervous. Spare a thought for the two referees who will be calling the final, Marco Meijer and Antony Dundas, as well as master of ceremonies 'Little' Richard Ashdown.

"I always get nervous," Richard tells me in the press room.

"Have you saved something special for the final?" I ask.

"Only the suit," he replies.

Jeff Smith is on the practice board, playing alone, a man with his thoughts.

The Lakeside is fit to burst and MC Richard Ashdown is about to take the stage.

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport at Lakeside

Forget the other finalist. This is the opponent that both players must conquer - a circular target 2.37m away, separated by a stretch of red carpet, and with three weapons in your hand to defeat it.

Do so, and darting immortality awaits.

Bobby George
Former World Championship runner-up

"Scott Waites has had a few scary moments, but he's fought back several times."

"Jeff Smith reached the semi-finals last year, and has got to final this year. He's a steady player but he hasn't been under that much pressure yet."

"To throw or not to throw, that's the question."

Bobby's jacket is an absolute stunner. Like a duvet with a henna tattoo. Not only is he sporting the sort of attire that could stop traffic, but the King of Bling is quoting Shakespeare's Henry V.

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends"

Magic darts.

Right then, our TV colleagues have just taken to the airwaves from the Lakeside.

You can tune your tellybox to BBC2, or stick with me and hit the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

If you're wondering what the Dickens Christopher is talking about, 'the Silencer' is the nickname taken by Jeff Smith.

Smith is an interesting character. From New Brunswick, he works in a car repair shop, fixing bodywork and paint jobs.

Wayne Brett: Good luck Scott Waites. Let's see you raise the trophy again!!!

Christopher: Good luck to The Silencer in tonight's final. Hope it's a classic. 

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport at Lakeside

When I arrived about three hours ago, Lakeside was almost deserted. Standing on the stage, on my own, was a magical experience.

Even with nobody else around, it was easy to get lost in the tradition of this place. Easy to imagine the cheers of a 1,500-strong crowd. Easy to recall childhood memories of January evenings in front of the television, watching some of the sport's greats win a world title.

So I envy Scott Waites and Jeff Smith, who will get to experience all of that for real in a few minutes' time. This place will be rocking.

So we've come to the end of the darting festive period. Two world championships over Christmas, one beginning when excitement was building, the other ending when the trees are long gone.

Are you set for a spell of darting blues? Withdrawal symptoms? Do let me know. Predictions welcome too. Text 81111 or tweet using the hashtag #bbcdarts., external

Yep, it's the final of the BDO World Championships, Scott Waites versus Jeff Smith.

Waites, the 2013 champion from Huddersfield, has made a habit of coming from behind, particuarly in his quarter-final win over number one seed and tournament favourite Glen Durrant.

Canadian Smith is unseeded, but has pedigree. He reached the last four in 2015 and defeated three-time champion Martin Adams in the first round.

It should be a belter.

The FA Cup? Good, but not quite right.

If you want the real sporting story this weekend, with the characters, the comebacks and the underdogs, then you need to turn your attention to the Lakeside County Club.

Image source, Rex Features

For some, who you might not hear of for another 12 months, this is their time in the spotlight.  

A touch of magic, a hint of romance and the promise of a surprise. Drama, tension and excitement.

All live on the BBC.

The year is only 10 days old, but we're being treated to one of its great sporting weekends.