29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Darts superstar Luke Littler turns his love of kebabs into new role
Luke Littler is renowned for his love of a kebab after a long night at the oche - and the 18-year-old's expertise on the subject has seen him handed a judging role
Luke Littler has got his hands on another trophy - for pitta's sake.
The 18-year-old darts world champion admits he celebrates a big win with a chicken shish, and now Luke the Nuke is forming a guard of doner for the best kebab in Britain.
Since the Professional Darts Corporation's shooting star was catapulted into celebrity orbit, Littler has been signed up by a coterie of big-name brands for sponsorship deals and endorsements.
And he is now vying with 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a century off just 35 balls for Rajasthan Royals in cricket 's Indian Premier League on Monday, for the laurels of the world's most revered sporting teenager.
But those who would prefer Littler to pin his colours to healthier diet and lifestyle marques will have to wait for him to endorse the joys of quinoa, kale and rabbit kibble. He has been recruited by food delivery app Deliveroo to decide its Best Kebab gong as part of their 2025 UK Restaurant Awards.
And few would blame the BetMGM Premier League leader for seeking sanctuary in his favourite comfort food after a difficult week on the oche.
Following a stormy ride from Munich crowds at the German Grand Prix, where His Nukeship went out in the semi-finals amid partisan support for his Dutch opponent Gian van Veen, he was booed in Liverpool over his football allegiances.
On social media, he threatened not to return to Germany for six months - which would mean skipping the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, where England are the holders, in June.
Then, from what looked a fireproof 4-0 lead, he collapsed to a 6-5 defeat by Michael van Gerwen on Merseyside - although he is still a certain to reach next month's Premier League play-offs.
Littler's reaction to the persistent whistling has made waves on the continent, where Dutch prospect Damian Vlottes - who has never won a tournament - branded him immature. Vlottes scoffed: "It's a bit childish to react like that, especially when you're already such a major champion at just 18.'
But Van Gerwen's practice partners and part-time consultant, Vincent Van der Voort, took a more enlightened view. Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort said: 'You have to remember (his age) - he's not used to losing yet.
'Honestly, no dart player handles losing well. I don't even think (veteran) Steve Beaton likes losing — he just hides it better than most. Littler struggled with that. He needs some coaching and guidance to help him manage those emotions better. Firing off a post like that on social media isn't wise.'
