Incredible rise of Luke Littler from £2m winnings, record world title and MBE – one of seven darts stars to get honour
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
FROM Alexandra Palace to the Royal Palaces, what an extraordinary ride it has been for Luke Littler.
Two years ago, he was just a normal, kebab-eating kid from Warrington who dreamt of one day making money from darts.
5
Luke Littler has risen to the top of darts in a rapid rise
Credit: Getty
5
He became world champion in January
Credit: PA
What has happened since is one of the most sensational stories in British sport.
A shock World Championship final run in 2024, turning pro, taking the oche by storm, global popularity, the 2025 world title at just 17 and more than £2million in prize money and sponsorship.
Littler has even had novelty kebabs named in his honour.
And now he will go, by royal appointment, to collect an MBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours list.
READ MORE ON DARTS
DOUBLE DOWN World Darts semi-finalist retires from PDC Tour at the age of just 30
It is not often Littler swaps his darts shirts for a suit but, at 18 years old, he is one of the youngest people to be bestowed a gong by the Royal Family.
Littler's ranking rival and England World Cup team-mate Luke Humphries, 30, is also set to receive an MBE.
They are two of only seven darts stars to have been acknowledged for their exploits.
The late Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Trina Gulliver, Fallon Sherrock and Keith Deller are the other tungsten members of the British Empire.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
Sixteen-time world champ Phil Taylor had been set to receive an MBE in 2001.
But his nomination was annulled after a controversial court case saw him found guilty of assaulting two female fans in the back of his camper van and fined £2,000.
Luke Littler reveals he's signed up to HUGE reality show alongside YouTuber mate
5
Luke has a deal with boohooMAN
Credit: BooHoo
5
He is also a multiple world-record holder
5
He will appear on Gogglebox alongside AngryGinge
Barry Hearn, the promotion mastermind behind darts' global rise, got an MBE in December 2021 and pins it to his cricket bat when he plays for Essex over-70s.
Honours committees have tended to be snobbish towards working-class sports like darts and snooker.
But with Littler's five major titles, added to eight for Humphries — and two PDC world crowns between them — there is no denying their incredible impact.
Particularly Littler. Grown men wear his shirts, emblazoned with his nickname The Nuke, while magnetic dartboards with his face on them sold out.
As an amateur, he reached the Ally Pally world final — aged 16 — losing to world No 1 Humphries.
Littler's rookie season was one of sport's most incredible debut years, seeing him voted second behind Olympic 800 metres champion Keely Hodgkinson in BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Littler has been a credit to the sport, constantly polite and co-operative with the press, the PDC and their sponsors.
This kid from humble stock — his dad was a taxi driver, his mum worked in a Yankee Candle shop — now joins the establishment.
Who knows, maybe one day he will work his way all the way up to a knighthood?
Sir Luke Littler? That really does hit the bullseye.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
15 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland skipper Andy Robertson wanted for stunning La Liga switch as Liverpool star 'emerges as top target' for giants
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDY ROBERTSON could be about play out the final years of his stellar career in Spain. That's because the Scotland skipper and two-time Premier League winner and one-time Champions League winning full back has emerged as 'the top target' for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Andy Robertson has a heavyweight Liverpool rival in the form of Milos Kerkez Credit: Getty 3 Diego Simeone has worked in Madrid for 14 years Credit: Getty 3 Andy Robertson proudly captains his country Credit: Willie Vass That's what transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano is reporting today, as the Anfield side prepare to welcome Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez in to bolster the wealth of riches on that side of the pitch. Diego Simeone, now 14 years and counting in the hotseat at the Wanda Metropolitano, is believed to be an admirer of Robbo's work and Romano wrote: "Atlético Madrid top target at left back is Andy Robertson, appreciated internally as ideal candidate. "Not an easy deal as Liverpool rate him highly even with Kerkez due to join the club soon. "Atléti have Robertson higher than Theo [Hernandez, of AC Milan] on their shortlist at LB so far." Only this week Robertson had admitted he wasn't sure what the future holds as he enters the final year of his career. He told SkySports: "We have discussed [my future], of course we have. "We've had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I'm not sure. "All I know is I fly off on holiday and it's well needed. I need a rest after a long season, and then I look forward to pre-season. That's all my focus is. "I can't look too far ahead, I never have done that so I'm not going to start doing that now. "I know the position I'm in, I know I've only got a year left. A lot's getting spoken about it, a lot's getting said, but my pure focus is focussing on being a dad for the next couple of weeks and enjoying that time with the kids. Fans 'knew Scotland were in trouble' after spotting Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson's 3rd minute antics vs Germany "Then I'll try and come back in the best shape possible for pre-season, and then we'll see what the future holds when those decisions come." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
South Wales Argus
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson ‘utterly thrilled' after being made OBE
The 76-year old London-born actress, best known for playing Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts on the BBC soap, was recognised for services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy. Dobson is a patron for several charities including Thames Hospice and Focus Foundation, which provides support for grassroots charities and local organisations. Speaking about the OBE, she told the PA news agency: 'I'm utterly thrilled and completely honoured and a bit bowled over and very excited. And all my friends have been texting and sending support. It's just been wonderful. It's very moving and I'm thrilled. 'It's not like a little one, where a few of people in the world know – everybody knows. And so it feels like you you're having a big hug. 'My face is so stretched you can't believe it. This is a very happy day and I just feel very lucky and people have just been texting in and being so supportive and so lovely. 'I hope everybody that's got an honour from the honours list has the same thing happening to them, that lots of people are making them feel special. Because I sure am.' The actress is an ambassador for the Sick Children's Trust and a former president of Phab, a charity that helps children and adults with and without disabilities to feel independent and confident. Speaking about her motivation to get involved with charities, she said: 'I think it's really important to, particularly in my industry, to pass things on. To pass anything that you've learned along the way, or little hints you can give on to the next generation. Anita Dobson with her husband Brian May after he was made a knight bachelor in 2023 (Victoria Jones/PA) 'I've always felt like that you should help people. And there's a lot of people with nothing now, with no hope, no homes to live in, not much food, not much clothing. So if you've got a lot, then it doesn't hurt, does it, to give a bit of it away and share it and make people's lives a little bit better, really? 'I sort of work on a very kind of basic level. I just think, if someone's in trouble, you help them. 'I had nothing when I was younger, and it's been the hard slog getting to anywheresville, and look where I am now. It's a good feeling to pass things on. 'I do lots of phoners where people ring in and they're in trouble and maybe you can't solve their problems, but you can sure as hell help them feel heard and that they matter, and that there is somebody in the world who has got the time to listen to them and maybe give them some advice that might point them in the right direction, or introduce them to somebody else who can help them in a better way than you can.' Dobson recently reprised her role as Angie for EastEnders' 40th anniversary, appearing in the Queen Vic as a ghost while her adopted daughter, Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, was seen fighting for her life after an explosion in the pub. The shock return won the series the scene of the year gong at the 2025 British Soap Awards. Anita Dobson with Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies (Ian West/PA) She also played mysterious character Mrs Flood in the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, having joined the series on Christmas Day 2023. During Ncuti Gatwa's second season as the Time Lord, it was revealed that Mrs Flood was a disguised incarnation of the Rani, a renegade Time Lady and villain. She added: 'I had a lovely message from Russell T Davis (Doctor Who Showrunner) this morning saying congratulations, which is lovely. We'll see what happens in the future, or whenever. 'I just have had a lovely time working for them. It's been a real blast. Russell said to me, come and have some fun. And I did. I just had fun. It was a real gift of a job.' The actress is also known for her stage performances and in 2003 was nominated for the best actress Olivier Award for her role in Bryony Lavery's Frozen at the National Theatre Cottesloe. Dobson was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing with professional Robin Windsor in 2011, but was voted off after nine weeks. Born in 1949 in the east end of London, the actress has been married to Queen guitarist Sir Brian May since 2000.
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Gemma Collins reveals her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GEMMA Collins has opened up about her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla. Speaking as she launches her new Ladies' Day Ascot campaign with betting giants Paddy Power the reality TV queen, who is pictured being fed grapes on a regal chaise longue by fellow ambassador ex England footballer Peter Crouch, thinks she's due an honours one day. 4 Gemma Collins has opened up about her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla Credit: Racing Post 4 Gemma previously met the King and Queen Camilla in 2023 when she attended The Animal Ball Credit: PA Gemma, 44, revealed: 'Of course I'd love it to be made a Dame, but I don't think it's going to happen just yet. "One day that is the dream. It would just be the best thing that could ever happen. 'After years of entertaining the public, I believe that I should get the title Dame Gemma Collins and it's just so funny because I'm sure this is what Charles' mum would have wanted.' Gemma previously met the King and Queen Camilla in 2023 when she attended The Animal Ball, but confesses that the Royals sought her out and invited her. She said: 'I love the royals. King Charles requested for me to meet him back in 2023. Clarence House called me because they wanted to get in touch with a British icon who is the mood of the nation. 'I dressed in Valentino and went to Lancaster House, in London. 'Charles was great fun, and very funny, I called him King of the Planet because I really admire him for all the work he does for the animals . "Personally, I think he's very down to earth. Obviously they're super posh because they're the Royal family. Camila was lovely. We had a good old chat.' Gemma, known as The GC to fans, feels she could play a role of agony aunt to Charles amid his fallout with youngest son Prince Harry. Gemma explained: 'I think Charles does need to mend his relationship with Prince Harry, life is too short. We do not know what's around the corner. Gemma Collins breaks silence on scary pneumonia battle as she struggles to breathe in chaotic radio appearance "I didn't know I was gonna get stopped in my tracks with viral pneumonia a couple of weeks ago. "So I just think we've got one life, life is short and we all need to forgive in our hearts. "There is so much sadness in the world at the minute. You can really feel the energy. I just think life is short. We do not know if we're going to wake up tomorrow. "And honestly, like so much time is wasted on pettiness. 'I think the king is so cool and the nation would love to see him reunite with Harry. He's like the naughty child. You never know the truth, but I hope they can repair and heal.' Gemma is delighted to be working with Paddy Power ahead of Royal Ascot's Ladies Day next Thursday. It comes after she was their guest of honour at Cheltenham Races in March. She said: I'm loving working with Paddy Power. And they're really fun and I've just been so lucky like the campaigns we've been doing are just such a vibe. 'It all started when Paddy Power invited me to Cheltenham, as I've gotten older I like to say yes to a lot more things. I'm so happy they called because I literally shut it down. "People just didn't expect to see me in Cheltenham and women should be able to go to these horse races too. 'I feel like some women are just meant to be there to be dressed up, but it's really cool for women to have a little flutter on the horses, why should men have all the fun? 'Horse-racing is really blokey, but I'm here to shut that down. Women rule the world. 'Everyone can get the Royal treatment at Ascot. Paddy Power does things differently, they're full of mischief and entertainment.' She added: 'I met Peter Crouch - he was very nice, tall and gentlemanly.' Gemma is delighted that her hero David Beckham is getting a Knighthood finally. She said: 'I love David Beckham. I loved his Hugo Boss campaign and I was breathless without pneumonia. I think he deserves this knighthood so much. He deserves everything good coming to him. He's so down to earth. 'Funnily enough, I see his mum Sandra a lot in Epping. I don't disturb her. She goes to the same cafe as me. I just look at her and think, 'God, you must be walking on cloud nine, having such an amazing son.' 'I love the fact he's got into country life. I always remember him queuing when the Queen passed away. It shows respect on such a level and he is a great role model to young boys, young men and children growing up today.' 4 Gemma, known as The GC to fans, feels she could play a role of agony aunt to Charles amid his fallout with youngest son Prince Harry Credit: Racing Post
