Luke Littler shares biggest ‘regret’ that was ‘all down to me’ ahead of Worlds | Other | Sport

A year ago, Luke Littler was an unknown name in the world of darts. Now, he’s a star on his own show: Have I Got Nukes For You.

The backdrop of the BBC‘s long-standing comedy quiz show Have I Got News For You, usually reserved for politicians and royalty, now features the 17-year-old darts player. Littler wasn’t even aware of his presence on the show until now.

This is a testament to the incredible impact ‘Luke the Nuke’ has had, extending far beyond the dartboard. As the Paddy Power PDC World Championship approaches this Sunday night, Littler is the favourite, following his dream run to the final last year as a 16-year-old.

The Manchester United fan reflects on the past year, from meeting Sir Alex Ferguson to receiving texts from David Beckham, with few regrets, except for one missed dart. Leading Luke Humphries 4-2 in the final at Alexandra Palace, Littler had two chances to go 5-2 up, but both attempts missed double two.

“Regrets? Yeah, probably that double two,” he told Mirror Sport. “I think that just took a sting out of the game. If I’d hit that… that’s the big question, isn’t it? If I hit that, do I go on and win it?

“But I didn’t hit it. That was all down to me, not thinking about it, not sure what I had left. That’s what happens if you don’t take your chance with the best player in the world sat on 28 – he will ping it, like Luke did.

“That is one difference I would make because then I’m two sets away and you never know what might have happened. But it wasn’t meant to be. There will be plenty of opportunities at the World Championship for the next 20 to 30 years, but it’s probably the biggest dart I’ve missed.”

Apart from the well-informed darts cognoscenti, who were aware of a chunky Warrington teenager’s immense promise on the junior circuit, Littler arrived at Ally Pally last December as the unknown new kid on the block.

At 17 years and 327 days old, he can hardly believe he returns as public property, second favourite to win the BBC‘s Sports Personality of the Year gong, and with his image looking down on Hislop like a sentry guard on Have I Got News For You.

“I’ve not seen the show, but for my face to be involved among Prime Ministers and Kings… I will take that,” said Littler. “It just goes to show how much I have done this year – and how much the sport has grown.

Until he turns 18 on January 21, Luke the Nuke is not allowed to vote, bet, drink alcohol or watch some films at the cinema.

Luke ‘the Nuke’ has already amassed over £1million in prize money from his debut year on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit, clinched the Premier League and Grand Slam titles among 10 senior trophies, nailed four perfect nine-darters, and ascended to No. 4 in the world rankings.

His first challenge at Ally Pally is set for a Saturday night headline match against either Ryan Meikle or Fallon Sherrock, the Queen of the Palace. He remarked: “I want to win every Major at least once and be world No.1 – even if it is just for a day. I’d leave the sport very happy if I reached No.1 in the world.

“But I am here to win, to prove reaching the world championship final was not a fluke. I won in Bahrain, I won on the European Tour, I won the Premier League… that was me saying, I am here, it wasn’t a one-off.

“I have had so much going on this year. United have invited me to a few games, I’ve been to the training ground at Carrington as well. Meeting Fergie was mental. I am glad they know who I am.”

After competing in 17 countries in 2024, Luke the Nuke has become an international sensation, far removed from the unheralded prodigy who burst onto the scene at the Palace a year ago, defeating Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell, Raymond van Barneveld, Brendan Dolan, and Rob Cross – including three former world champions.

Reflecting on his early experiences, he declared: “No-one knew anything about me and it was a free hit, whether I lost in the first round or got to the final. It was a free hit and a bit of prize money. This year isn’t a free hit. There’s expectation – a lot of expectation.”