Luke Littler revealed that he has been getting “a few requests from girls to meet up” after becoming darts world champion and recently turning 18.
The extra attention has followed since going one step further at Alexandra Palace, beating Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship final to become the youngest-ever winner.
Littler split with his previous girlfriend Eloise Milburn last year, who was a frequent visitor at Ally Pally and could be spotted with his family cheering him on.
And although Littler is now a single man, he is not focusing on dating and after speaking with his family, is solely thinking about darts.
“Extra attention comes with me winning the world title and certain reporting restrictions are lifted at the age of 18 so that will have an impact,” Littler told the Daily Mail. “And if I keep winning, I’m not making it easier for myself, am I?”
“I have had a few requests from girls to meet up. But I generally don’t reply. It’s just people looking at me and the money I am making, and they want part of that. My mum and dad told me to keep the friends I have. Give it a few years and I may meet someone along the way.
“I have a couple of good friends from school and a few friends from different schools. They are doing well. They have apprenticeships, at Asda or McDonald’s, or want to be plumbers or electricians. All have good jobs and are trying to make money for themselves.”
Family clearly means so much to humble Littler, having moved his parents into a house with him on Millionaire’s Road in Warrington, spending a reported £6,000-a-month on the five-bed mansion.
His mum, Lisa, sells candles out of a nearby shop and his dad drives a taxi. They have witnessed first-hand their son’s meteoric rise and he regularly credits them for keeping him grounded.
Littler’s parents listened to the careful words of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has dealt with his fare share of young superstars.
“When I met Sir Alex Ferguson, I think he told my dad to keep me grounded,” Littler explained.
And as he continues to navigate the world of fame, he still catches himself in awe when meeting his heroes.
“Phil Taylor is someone I idolised,” Littler continued. “Cristiano Ronaldo is another. But Wayne Rooney is above them all. I spoke to Wayne when we were playing FIFA one time. On a video chat. He was fine. He asked, ‘Is Luke there?’ because I wasn’t talking. This was at the start of last year. I was thinking I can’t talk to Wayne Rooney. But then off we went in the end.
“When I am with the Formula One guys – Lando Norris drove me around Silverstone last year on a hot lap and I follow the sport after that experience, and then I was nervous – or the Manchester United squad, I still feel awestruck.”
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