Luke Littler reveals jibes over his age have been 'going on for years' but he ... trends now
Teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler has shrugged off trolls' cruel jibes about his age, saying that baseless claims he is older than 16 have been 'going on for years'.
'The Nuke', who came within a dart's width of glory at the PDC World Darts Championship final against Luke Humphries on Wednesday, says he now 'laughs off' jokes about his appearance, refusing to give them the time of day.
Littler's fairytale ascent to fame in the last month comes after years of grafting to conquer junior leagues; his story has ignited new interest in professional darts and invited support from the likes of David Beckham.
But 'jealous' trolls have been making cutting remarks about him for years – forcing mother Lisa to take to social media to dispel rumours that he drank before games to steady his nerves, even releasing his birth certificate to prove his age.
Regardless, Littler is having the last laugh: he walked away with a £200,000 paycheque last night, is in line to make millions from sponsorships and corporate gigs, and has been fast tracked into the 2024 Premier League Darts competition.
Luke Littler made history when he squared off against Luke Humphries (left) in the PDC World Darts Championship final on Wednesday
Littler looks on as Humphries raises the trophy following the nailbiting final, which saw the World No 1 win 7-4
Littler embraces girlfriend Eloise Milburn before the final. Cruel online trolls have made jibes about the age gap between the darts sensation and his partner, 21
Luke Littler's birth certificate, which confirms he was born at North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Warrington in 2007
Luke Littler's mother Lisa was forced to post on social media two years ago in order to dispel rumours that her son was drinking before games after jealous trolls spread rumours
Speaking to BBC News, Littler said of speculation about his age: 'It's been going on for years, When I was 14, they were saying, "He's not 14, he's not 15". But I'm not bothered. I know I'm 16.
'It's been going on for years, but I just block it out, laugh at them, don't even reply to them, don't give them the airtime.'
Littler has faced speculation about his age and other cruel remarks for years, with his family sticking by his side throughout the jibes, which have allegedly come from the families of his fellow junior competitors.
In a post on Facebook in February 2022 – almost two years before he rose to global fame – his mother Lisa wrote: 'Sat here thinking how much Luke's got his head on his shoulders, how mature he is, how many kids his age smoke, drink, even smoke weed.
'There was a little rumour going around, not sure how it started, but some absolute k*** who clearly doesn't know Luke or us said he needs 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 mum's cousin, said: 'Some years ago when he was winning everything, other parents of young players started a rumour he was lying about his age.
'To enter a competition you have to give proof of age, but that didn't stop them. It was pure jealousy and nastiness by adults attacking a young teenager on social media.
'To stop the hate his parents posted proof of his age back then.
'And yes again there are some who are saying they seriously think he's lying.
'Whether they really believe that or not I don't know. Some just like to say outlandish stuff on social media for attention, a laugh, or to cause
