Teen darts prodigy Luke Littler has shrugged off trolls' cruel jokes about his age and said unfounded claims that he is over 16 have been going on for years.
'The Nuke', who came within a beam of glory in Wednesday's PDC World Darts Championship final against Luke Humphries, says he now 'laughs' at jokes about his appearance and refuses to give them the time of day.
Littler's fairytale rise to fame in the past month comes after years of attempting to conquer junior competitions; His story has sparked new interest in professional darts and received support from David Beckham, among others.
But 'jealous' trolls have been making cutting comments about him for years – forcing mum Lisa to take to social media to dispel rumors that he drank before matches to calm his nerves, and even release his birth certificate to reveal his age prove.
Either way, Littler has the last laugh: he walked away with a £200,000 paycheck last night, is set to make millions from sponsorships and corporate appearances, and has been swiftly included in the 2024 Premier League Darts competition.
Luke Littler made history when he battled Luke Humphries (left) in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship on Wednesday
Littler watches as Humphries lifts the trophy after the thrilling final, in which the world number 1 won 7-4
Littler hugs girlfriend Eloise Milburn before the finale. Cruel online trolls are making fun of the age difference between the darts sensation and his partner, 21
Luke Littler's birth certificate, confirming he was born in 2007 at North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Warrington
Luke Littler's mother Lisa was forced to post on social media two years ago to dispel rumors that her son was drinking before games after jealous trolls spread rumors
Speaking to BBC News, Littler said of speculation about his age: 'It's been going on for years. When I was 14, they said, “He's not 14, he's not 15.” But it doesn't bother me. I know I'm 16.
“It's been going on for years, but I just block it out, laugh at them, don't even answer them, don't give them any airtime.”
Littler has faced speculation about his age and other cruel comments for years, with his family staying by his side during the jokes, which reportedly come from the families of his fellow junior competitors.
In a post on Facebook in February 2022 – almost two years before he achieved global fame – his mother Lisa wrote: 'Sitting here thinking how much Luke has his head on his shoulders, how grown up he is, how many kids his age smoke, drink, even smoking weed.
'There was a little rumor going around, I'm not sure how it started, but some absolute c*** who obviously doesn't know Luke or us said he has to drink before he plays darts.
'We can assure you he doesn't. He's not a fan of booze, just the occasional blue WKD at Christmas etc.'
Leanne Seddon, Luke's mother's cousin, said: 'When he won everything a few years ago, other parents of young players started a rumor that he was lying about his age.
'To enter a competition you have to provide proof of age, but that didn't stop them. It was pure jealousy and misery from adults attacking a young teenager on social media.
'To stop the hate, his parents posted a proof of his age at the time.
'And yes, there are those who say they seriously think he is lying.
'I don't know whether they really believe that. Some just like to say bizarre things on social media to get attention, to get a laugh, or to cause trouble or hate.”
A copy of his birth certificate, obtained by TalkTV, proves the youngster is 16 – or will remain so for another two weeks as he turns 17 on January 21.
Trolls have also targeted Littler's girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, 21, with abuse, with some accusing her of being a 'money grabber' and others commenting on the five-year age difference between the two.
But Littler, who met the beautician while playing FIFA online on Xbox, says he will stick with his partner “whether anyone likes it or not.”
Littler shows off his second trophy of the PDC World Darts Championship as he leaves his hotel on Thursday morning
The media-savvy teen has continued his charm offensive with a series of interviews today, including on Good Morning Britain (above, with Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid)
Littler has credited his family, including mother Lisa and father Anthony (pictured), with his success
Hot Spot takeaway in Warrington has added Luke Littler's regular kebab to its menu – and says he gets free food for life
The media-savvy teenager has continued his unpretentious charm offensive in a series of interviews today, appearing on news and sports channels and Good Morning Britain to talk about his record-breaking WDC run.
He told GMB he was looking forward to getting back to practicing with girlfriend Eloise, who is also a darts player, and wanted to help her reach the same level of professional competition as him.
He said, 'Yeah, obviously I just played in that, so hopefully I can practice with Eloise and try to get her where I am.'
Gamer Littler even confessed he was annoyed with himself for not taking his games console to London so he could relax between games – after admitting he couldn't see himself staying in London as he didn't expect to reach the final .
In another interview with Sky News today, Littler credited his parents with charting his route to stardom.
He said: “They have been with me since the very beginning. My father has taken me everywhere and driven me across the country, even abroad, and my mother cheers me up, as does my father.
“It's all about how I've played over the years, how I've been sponsored by Target, how I've gotten out my own darts, how I have my own shirts, and how I have my manager who pays for everything.
'I have a nice group of people around me.'
'Golden Darts', as he was dubbed by presenter Dan Walker after his semi-final victory over Rob Cross, also revealed he had received a message of support from his football equivalent, David Beckham.
Littler, a Manchester United fan, said Becks told him: “Well done, and once red, always red.” Beckham's son Romeo appeared to cheer on Littler at Ally Pally with girlfriend Mia Regan on Wednesday evening.
Littler told Good Morning Britain his 'mind was blank' before missing a crucial dart for 5-2
Darts couple Luke Littler, 16, and Eloise Milburn, 21, share a photo together online
And back home in Warrington, his local takeaway has offered him free kebabs for life. Littler's fasting diet – kebabs after the match and eggs from a greasy spoon on the day of the final – has won him legions of fans.
Hot Spot takeaway has named its regular kebab wrap of donner meat, lettuce, onions and mayonnaise after him.
Manager Hamido told the PA news agency: 'We just call it the 'Luke Wrap' because we are so used to making it for him. It's every day, or most days, that he's at home and not abroad.
'He's a top lad and hopefully he'll come back for a free haircut and kebab. That is undoubtedly free for life.
'We have said from day one that he will be world champion and he still will be. What he has achieved at the age of 16 is incredible.”
Wednesday evening's final became Sky Sports' biggest non-football program ever. A record audience of more than 4.8 million people watched the final of the World Darts Championship, peaking at 3.71 million, the broadcaster said.
PDC chief executive Matt Porter said Littler 'opens doors to a new target group'.
He told BBC News: 'There are hundreds and hundreds of children from the age of eight playing organized darts at academy level.
'There is a lot of talent and now he can perhaps inspire a generation of future champions.'