Luke Littler, the rising star in the world of professional darts, has taken to social media to address recent reports about his breakup with girlfriend Eloise Milburn. The 17-year-old, known as “The Nuke,” posted a statement on Instagram in response to rumors and social media backlash directed at Milburn. The couple, who had been dating since last year, reportedly parted ways due to the strains caused by Littler’s demanding career on the professional darts circuit.
The two first met in August 2022 during a PDC Development Tour event in Leicester, where they instantly hit it off. Their relationship blossomed over the past year, with Milburn often seen at Littler’s matches, including his memorable journey to the final of the World Darts Championship. At the championship, held at the iconic Alexandra Palace, Littler impressed fans and fellow competitors alike as he advanced to the finals, eventually losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries. Throughout his high-stakes matches, Milburn was frequently spotted in the crowd, cheering him on and supporting him from the sidelines.
However, as Littler’s career continued to accelerate, the young couple began to feel the pressure of his rigorous travel schedule and commitment to the sport. According to a source quoted by *The Sun*, the strain of spending limited time together became increasingly challenging, and ultimately led to the mutual decision to separate. The source shared that the breakup was amicable, stating, “It had become increasingly difficult for them to spend quality time together due to Luke’s demanding schedule on the professional darts circuit. Calling time on their relationship seemed to be the only way forward.” The source further emphasized that there were no hard feelings between the two, noting that “there is no bad blood between them, and Eloise is completely supportive of Luke’s career.”
While both Littler and Milburn have maintained a respectful silence on social media about the specifics of their split, Milburn has faced unwelcome online harassment. Following *The Sun*’s report, some fans directed hurtful comments toward her on various platforms, blaming her for the breakup. Littler, who boasts an impressive Instagram following of 1.4 million, stepped in to defend his former girlfriend. In his post, he urged fans to cease any negative behavior toward Milburn, clarifying that the decision to end their relationship was his own and that it was a private matter. He wrote, “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise, saying it’s her fault and this and that. I myself split up with Eloise, and everyone just needs [to] give us some time. No need for everyone to message her and give her grief.”
The public breakup has put Littler’s relationship status under the spotlight, even as he continues to focus on his flourishing career. Just this past Monday, Littler competed against Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he suffered a 10-6 defeat. However, despite the recent loss, Littler’s career trajectory remains highly promising. He has been making headlines not only for his skill but also for his resilience and mental fortitude, qualities that have earned him a solid fanbase and the respect of his peers.
Earlier in the season, Littler captured a major title at the Polish Darts Masters, where he secured victory over Rob Cross in a gripping final match. That win, along with his accomplishments in two European Tour events and the opening Players Championship title back in February, have significantly boosted his world ranking, which now stands at 25 as of the start of the Matchplay tournament. Remarkably, Littler’s career achievements include winning the Premier League title on his first attempt—a stunning feat that saw him defeat Luke Humphries, effectively avenging his previous World Championship loss. This victory has further cemented Littler’s reputation as one of the brightest new talents in the sport.
Though still in his teens, Littler has demonstrated remarkable poise under pressure, both on and off the oche. His candid statement on social media highlights his maturity, as he navigates not only the pressures of professional competition but also the personal challenges that come with public scrutiny. For now, Littler appears committed to staying focused on his career and working toward his goal of climbing higher in the world rankings. As his fanbase continues to grow, he is also learning to manage the responsibilities that come with fame, including addressing his followers when necessary to protect the privacy and dignity of those close to him.
Moving forward, Littler’s fans can look forward to watching him in upcoming tournaments as he seeks to add more titles to his already impressive resume. With his talent, drive, and determination, it’s clear that Littler has a long and successful career ahead of him. As for his personal life, he has reminded his followers of the importance of respect and understanding, reinforcing the need for boundaries in the age of social media. For now, the young star is channeling his focus into his game, eager to prove himself as one of the leading names in professional darts.