LONDON – Just days after his fairytale run to the World Darts Championship final captivated the sporting world, 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler finds himself in a different kind of spotlight—one focused on his personal life and the pressures of sudden fame.
Sources close to the darts star indicate that Littler has expressed private anxieties to his new girlfriend, Faith Millar, regarding her increased visibility in celebrity circles following his skyrocketing to stardom. The warning, described by friends as stemming from “insecurity and overwhelming adjustment,” followed Milburn’s attendance at several high-profile events where she was photographed with celebrities outside the darts world.
Littler, from Warrington, became a national phenomenon in January, defeating seasoned professionals en route to the world final at Alexandra Palace, where he ultimately fell to Luke Humphries. His talent and youthful exuberance won millions of fans, but the subsequent media frenzy has extended beyond the oche.
“Luke’s life has changed at warp speed,” said a source within the darts community who wished to remain anonymous. “He’s gone from a relatively unknown kid to a household name overnight. There’s a natural anxiety that comes with that, not just for him but for those close to him. His comments to Eloise seem to come from a place of navigating this new reality, not from any desire to control.”
Faith Millar, 21, has been publicly supportive of Littler throughout his championship run. However, her recent social media activity, showing her at parties and events with well-known personalities, has reportedly sparked tension. Friends suggest Littler is concerned about the intentions of new acquaintances and the potential for exploitation.
Sports psychologist Dr. Anya Sharma commented on the situation: “What we’re seeing is a very common, though intensely amplified, adjustment crisis. An athlete achieves extraordinary success very young, and their entire ecosystem—including relationships—is stress-tested. Feelings of insecurity or a desire to protect one’s private world are not uncommon. The key is how it’s communicated and managed.”
The darts community has largely rallied around Littler. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has recently emphasized the well-being support available to its players, especially younger talents navigating newfound fame.
“Luke is a phenomenal talent and a good lad,” said former world champion Raymond van Barneveld. “We must all remember he is 17. The media and the public should give him space to grow into his career and his life outside of darts.”
Littler is expected to return to competitive play next week in the Premier League Darts lineup, where the focus will likely return to his prodigious talent. How he and his inner circle adjust to the relentless attention remains a subplot to his sporting journey.
As of publication, representatives for Luke Littler have declined to comment on private matters, reiterating that his focus is on his darts career.