Luke Humphries, the world number two and a dominant force in modern darts, has made it clear who he believes is sorely missing from the current Premier League lineup. The 31-year-old has voiced his longing for the return of Nathan Aspinall, describing the English star as an essential ingredient to the tour’s vibrant backstage atmosphere.
The Premier League Darts, now well underway in its 2026 edition, features a stacked field of top talent, including Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen, Josh Rock, and Humphries himself. This year’s roster has been hailed as one of the strongest in recent memory, packed with heavy scorers and proven winners. Yet, despite the high-caliber competition on stage, Humphries feels something is noticeably absent off it.
Speaking candidly after a recent match, Humphries highlighted how the environment in the players’ lounge and practice areas has changed without Aspinall’s infectious energy. “I think you need Nathan Aspinall for that,” he explained. “I miss him so much in the back room because he’s full of life and he’s good fun.” He went further, noting that without Aspinall’s presence, “it’s harder to have banter” among the players. The comment underscores how the Premier League isn’t just about the arrows flying on stage—it’s also about the camaraderie, rivalries, and lighthearted interactions that make the grueling 16-week roadshow bearable and enjoyable.
Aspinall, a former UK Open champion and consistent performer on the PDC circuit, was surprisingly omitted from the 2026 Premier League lineup. His exclusion has puzzled many fans and players alike, especially given his strong form in recent seasons and his ability to deliver exciting, high-scoring matches. Humphries’ endorsement adds weight to the argument that Aspinall’s charismatic personality and reliability make him a natural fit for the league’s unique blend of elite competition and entertainment.
The Premier League thrives on its theatrical elements: the walk-ons, the crowd energy, the nightly drama, and the off-stage dynamics that spill into interviews and social media. Aspinall has long been a fan favorite for his approachable demeanor, quick wit, and ability to keep spirits high even during tough stretches. Humphries’ comments reflect a broader sentiment that the tour feels a little quieter without him, particularly in the downtime between matches where players unwind, share stories, and build the bonds that fuel rivalries on the oche.
This isn’t the first time Humphries has spoken about the Premier League’s format and selections. He has previously suggested tweaks to make the event even more compelling, such as expanding the field slightly to accommodate more deserving talents amid an ever-deepening pool of elite players. In one discussion, he pointed to players like Danny Noppert and James Wade as potential additions alongside Aspinall, emphasizing how difficult it has become to narrow down the lineup when so many are performing at a world-class level.
For Humphries, the call for Aspinall’s return goes beyond mere friendship—though the two share a genuine rapport. It’s about preserving the spirit of the Premier League as a traveling circus of darts excellence where personality matters as much as precision. Aspinall’s absence has left a gap in that department, and Humphries isn’t shy about saying so publicly.
As the 2026 season progresses through its demanding schedule of weekly venues across the UK and Europe, the focus remains on crowning a nightly winner and ultimately the overall champion at The O2 in London. Humphries, the defending Premier League champion from 2025—where he avenged a previous final defeat to Littler—continues to chase consistency amid a fiercely competitive group. His form has shown flashes of brilliance, but like others at the top, he’s navigating the marathon nature of the event.
Meanwhile, Aspinall keeps competing strongly on the Players Championship circuit and in other majors, proving he remains a force capable of challenging anyone. Whether his exclusion proves temporary or sparks debate about future selections, Humphries’ heartfelt plea has resonated with fans who miss the extra spark Aspinall brings.
In a sport where individual brilliance often takes center stage, Humphries’ words serve as a reminder that darts is also about community and character. The Premier League is electric on stage, but behind the scenes, personalities like Aspinall help make it truly special. Until he potentially returns, the banter might stay a little subdued—but the competition certainly hasn’t.
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