As the festive lights twinkle brighter and the chill of December settles over London, Alexandra Palace transforms once more into the beating heart of darts mania. The PDC World Darts Championship, kicking off on Thursday, December 11, promises to be the grandest edition yet—a sprawling showdown featuring 128 elite players vying for a slice of the £5 million prize pot, with a jaw-dropping £1 million on offer for the ultimate victor. This year’s tournament, running through to January 3, 2026, isn’t just about pinpoint precision and blistering 180s; it’s a celebration of underdog triumphs, veteran grit, and the unbreakable bonds that fuel these warriors of the oche. Amid the roar of the crowd and the electric atmosphere of Ally Pally, one group is turning heads as brightly as any bullseye: the WAGs—the wives and girlfriends whose unwavering cheers add an extra layer of sparkle to the spectacle.
At the forefront of this glamorous brigade is the reigning world champion himself, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, known to fans as “The Nuke.” Fresh off his historic 2025 victory—where he dismantled three-time champ Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final to become the youngest titleholder in darts history—Littler enters as the top seed and red-hot favorite with odds hovering at 10/11. But he’s not facing the Lithuanian veteran Darius Labanauskas alone on opening night. By his side, quite literally in the stands, will be his new partner, Faith Millar, a poised beautician whose stylish presence has already become a fixture in Littler’s whirlwind year. Faith, with her effortless elegance and jet-setting vibe, has been Littler’s rock through a grueling schedule that saw him snag six major titles in 2025 alone, including the UK Open, World Matchplay, and Grand Slam of Darts. The pair’s romance blossomed amid Littler’s globe-trotting triumphs Down Under, where Faith joined him for high-stakes showdowns in Australia and New Zealand, collecting silverware like souvenirs.
Littler doesn’t mince words when it comes to her impact. “Faith lifts my spirits when I’m feeling low,” he shared candidly earlier this year, a rare glimpse into the softer side of the teenage phenom who’s otherwise all steely focus and explosive checkouts. Their story adds a tender subplot to Littler’s quest for back-to-back glory. After a brief split from his previous relationship earlier in the year, Littler’s openness about finding solace in Faith underscores how these personal anchors keep the pressure from boiling over. Picture her in the front row, clad in chic winter layers, her cheers cutting through the Ally Pally din as Littler unleashes another barrage of maximums. It’s moments like these that remind us: behind every dart that kisses the wire is a support system that’s just as vital.
But Faith isn’t the only one poised to light up the arena. The darts world is brimming with WAGs who bring their own flair to the festivities, blending low-key loyalty with star-quality poise. Take Kayley Jones, fiancée to second seed Luke Humphries—”Cool Hand Luke”—the 2024 champion who’s drawn a tough opener against 2021 world youth winner Ted Evetts. Kayley, a devoted stay-at-home mum from Cheshire, embodies quiet strength. She’s the mother to their young son Rowan and stepmum to her daughter Gracie from a previous relationship, preferring the shadows while Humphries basks in the spotlight. Yet, her influence is undeniable. Humphries proposed to her in a cinematic May 2024 moment atop New York City’s Edge observation deck, overlooking the Empire State Building—a “perfect moment,” he called it, one that captured the fairy-tale romance amid his own meteoric rise. Kayley’s low-profile approach only amplifies her role as Humphries’ grounding force, especially as he eyes a rematch with Littler after handing the teen his only major final loss this year in the Premier League.
Then there’s the hairdresser who’s woven herself into the fabric of darts royalty: Fallon Sherrock’s partner, who prefers to stay out of the headlines but whose steady hand—both with scissors and support—has been integral to the “Queen of the Palace’s” success. Sherrock, a trailblazer in women’s darts, faces a formidable path in this expanded field, but her other half’s encouragement echoes through every practice session. Or consider the story of a certain player’s wife, a former walk-on girl who’s been cheering since 2015. Married to one of the tour’s steadiest hands, she’s traded the runway for the family sidelines, her presence a nod to the sport’s evolving glamour. From former glamour models who’ve traded catwalks for courtside seats to those everyday heroes juggling family life with the nomadic tour schedule, these women form a tapestry of resilience and radiance.
This championship isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a microcosm of life’s highs and heartaches. Defending his crown means Littler must navigate a bracket stacked with threats: Humphries, the unflappable No. 2; Van Gerwen, the Dutch destroyer gunning for a fourth title; and rising stars like Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price, both with 16/1 odds and axes to grind. The women’s contingent adds fresh fire, with three-time champ Beau Greaves—fresh off a stunning semifinal upset over Littler at the World Youth Championship in October—drawn against 22nd seed Daryl Gurney. Greaves, just 21 and already hailed as the best female player ever after 86 straight PDC Women’s Series wins, averages that could humble pros. Her clash with Littler earlier this year? A thriller where she edged him out despite his 107.4 match average, prompting a gracious Instagram nod from The Nuke: “I had two 10-dart legs, missed double 12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to Beau. All the best in Minehead.”
As the first arrows fly on Thursday evening—Littler vs. Labanauskas headlining alongside Michael Smith’s defense against Women’s World Matchplay queen Lisa Ashton—these WAGs will be more than spectators. They’ll be the unsung heroes, their cheers a symphony that drowns out the doubters and amplifies the dreams. In a sport where a single leg can swing on nerves of steel, their role is priceless: reminders that victory isn’t just about the board, but the bonds that get you there. With Ally Pally’s magical mix of fog machines, walk-on anthems, and beer-soaked camaraderie, expect fireworks on and off the oche. Who knows? By New Year’s, we might crown not just a champion, but a love story for the ages. Tune in—the party’s just getting started.
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