Luke Littler’s week off the oche has been as dramatic as any match he’s ever played. Just days after celebrating his long-awaited driving test success, the 18-year-old darts star revealed he was left “shaking with nerves” after being followed by a paparazzi photographer while driving on the motorway.
Littler, who has quickly become one of the sport’s biggest names, had only recently passed his driving test in Warrington, proudly sharing that he achieved it “first time and 0 minors.” It was a moment of joy for the teenager, especially after needing several attempts to pass the theory portion earlier in the year. But what should have been a moment of freedom and excitement turned into a frightening experience just 48 hours later.
According to Littler, he was driving to visit his girlfriend when he noticed a car tailing him closely. “I made the latest exit that you could possibly do on a motorway,” he said. “I came off so late and then so did he. I think I did about three U-turns — and he did the same. I was just shaking with nerves. I’d been driving for two days and I was being followed on a motorway.”
The incident reportedly involved a freelance photographer who had been attempting to capture exclusive photos of Littler behind the wheel of his new car. The teenager, clearly shaken, later took to social media to share his side of the story — and in a clever move, posted photos of the car himself to make any paparazzi shots worthless. “So that’s why I posted the car — so he couldn’t sell his pictures,” Littler explained. “That’s for him.”
The vehicle in question, a sleek BMW worth around £39,000, had actually been purchased months earlier. Littler had been unable to drive it until passing his test, meaning he’d been eagerly waiting to hit the road. Instead, the experience became one of anxiety and disbelief as he dealt with being chased in traffic just days after gaining his licence.
“I know it’s their job,” he admitted, referring to the photographer, “but following me on the motorway — it’s dead busy. I was nervous and stuff.” His words showed a mix of understanding and frustration, reflecting the growing tension between celebrity privacy and the relentless pursuit of attention by paparazzi.
For Littler, this was supposed to be a milestone — a rite of passage into adulthood and independence. But fame has a way of turning even the most ordinary experiences into public spectacles. His story is a reminder of the pressures young athletes face in the spotlight, especially when success arrives early and suddenly.
Despite the scare, the teenage phenom has no intention of letting the experience rattle his focus. With major tournaments approaching and the spotlight brighter than ever, Littler remains committed to maintaining his composure both on and off the stage. His maturity in handling the situation — responding calmly, taking control of the narrative, and refusing to let it escalate — shows a growing confidence beyond his years.
“I’d only just passed my test,” he said. “I wanted to enjoy driving, not to be looking over my shoulder.”
The motorway incident has sparked sympathy from fans, many of whom praised him for his composure and criticized the invasive behavior of paparazzi. For Littler, it’s another test — not one of skill or nerves on the oche, but of learning to navigate fame responsibly.
Still, if there’s one thing the young star has proven, it’s that pressure doesn’t easily shake him. Whether it’s a nine-darter on stage or a tense encounter on the road, Luke Littler continues to show that he’s learning how to handle every challenge thrown his way — with focus, resolve, and just a touch of defiance.
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