In the electrifying world of professional darts, few stories have captivated audiences quite like that of Luke Littler, the unassuming teenager from Warrington who exploded onto the scene like a perfectly aimed 180. At just 19, “The Nuke”—as he’s affectionately known—has already etched his name into the sport’s pantheon of legends. With two PDC World Championship titles under his belt, a career triple crown that includes triumphs at the Premier League and World Matchplay, and four televised nine-dart finishes that left commentators speechless, Littler isn’t just a player; he’s a phenomenon. Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to the game, he’s raked in millions in prize money while inspiring a new generation of dart-throwers. Yet, amid the glory and the glare of the oche, Littler’s personal life is proving to be every bit as high-stakes as his checkout shots. Whispers of discord have surfaced in his relationship with girlfriend Faith Millar, all centered around a audacious dream that’s got nothing to do with treble 20s: stepping into the boxing ring.
Littler’s journey to stardom reads like a script from a feel-good sports movie. Bursting onto the professional circuit at 16, he stunned the world by reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, pocketing £200,000 as runner-up and igniting a frenzy that saw kebab shops in his hometown scramble to keep up with “Littler burgers.” Fast-forward two years, and the once-wide-eyed kid has matured into a dominant force, defending titles with the precision of a surgeon and the swagger of a rockstar. His weekly Premier League showdowns and grueling European Tour schedule keep him on the road more than at home, a whirlwind existence that tests even the strongest bonds. It’s in this high-octane backdrop that his romance with Millar has blossomed into a source of both solace and, lately, subtle strife.
The couple’s love story began quietly enough, away from the flashing cameras and roaring crowds. Millar, a 20-year-old beautician from nearby Wigan, entered Littler’s orbit last year during one of those rare downtime moments amid his relentless calendar. What started as casual hangouts—shared laughs over late-night takeaways and quiet evenings in his sprawling Warrington mansion—quickly deepened into something profound. Millar, with her grounded charm and no-nonsense vibe, became the steady anchor in Littler’s otherwise chaotic sea of endorsements, interviews, and international flights. She’s been a fixture at his side ever since, cheering from the front row at major tournaments, her presence a quiet rebellion against the loneliness that often shadows young stardom. Friends say she’s met his tight-knit family, including proud mum Lisa and dad Jay, bonding over home-cooked meals and stories from Luke’s junior darts days. “Faith’s just what I needed,” Littler once confided, his words carrying the weight of someone who’s tasted fame’s double-edged sword.
This isn’t Littler’s first high-profile romance, of course. He was previously linked to fellow darts enthusiast Eloise Milburn, a relationship that fizzled under the strain of his burgeoning career. The split, amicable but telling, highlighted the toll of his non-stop schedule—missed birthdays, canceled plans, and the emotional whiplash of victory highs and defeat lows. With Millar, though, things felt different. She understood the drill: the 3 a.m. wake-ups for flights to Bahrain, the adrenaline crashes after a nine-darter. Their bond seemed unbreakable, a partnership forged in the fires of mutual support. That is, until Littler started eyeing a different kind of ring.
It all came to a head last weekend in Liverpool, where Littler traded the dartboard for the squared circle. He was there to support his mate, rising middleweight Luke Turner, who delivered a gritty win over Jensen Irving on the undercard of Nick Ball’s world title defense against Brandon Figueroa. The electric atmosphere—the thump of gloves on pads, the roar of the crowd—stirred something dormant in the darts ace. In a candid chat with DAZN ringside, Littler let slip his long-simmering fantasy: lacing up for a one-off boxing bout. “I’d love to, but the missus does not want me to,” he admitted with a sheepish grin, the words hanging in the smoky air like a poorly aimed dart. “I’d love to, a one-off definitely, on Misfits.” Misfits Boxing, the influencer-fueled promotion known for its wild, celebrity-driven spectacles, has become a playground for athletes dipping their toes into uncharted waters. For Littler, it’s the ultimate thrill ride—a chance to trade precision throws for raw, sweat-drenched combat.
Millar’s reservations aren’t without reason. Boxing, even in a exhibition format, carries risks that could sideline the man who’s just hit his stride in darts. A busted hand or a concussion? Unthinkable for someone whose livelihood depends on pinpoint accuracy. Yet, Littler’s eyes light up at the mere thought. He flashed back to his youth, recalling a brief flirtation with the sweet science: “I tried it like once or twice when I was younger.” That spark never fully extinguished, and now, with the confidence of back-to-back world crowns, he’s ready to fan it into flame. Pressed on potential foes, he didn’t hesitate: “Anyone.” But dig a little deeper, and a name emerges from the shadows of a 2024 online feud—content creator Beavo, the brash YouTuber who’d traded barbs with Littler in a very public spat. “It’s like a proper person, it’s not a darts player,” Littler explained, a glint of mischief in his eye. “Do I like him? Nah. Beavo.” The grudge, born from social media sniping, adds a delicious layer of personal stakes, turning what could be a gimmick fight into a grudge match for the ages.
The darts calendar, however, looms large as the real opponent here. With Premier League nights every Thursday and a packed slate of European events, squeezing in training—let alone a full camp—feels like threading a camel through the eye of a needle. Still, Littler’s undeterred, his dream plan crystallizing around that singular Misfits showdown: a night of redemption, excitement, and perhaps a bit of rebellion against the monotony of tour life. For Millar, it’s a line in the sand, a plea for caution amid the couple’s otherwise idyllic rhythm. Sources close to the pair describe late-night talks where her concerns clash with his boyish enthusiasm, voices raised but hearts intact. “There’s negativity out there, but I just block it,” Littler has said of public scrutiny on their relationship, a mindset he’s now applying to this domestic tussle.
As Littler hurtles toward another Premier League season, the boxing bug buzzes louder, a siren song threatening to upend his carefully balanced world. Will he lace up anyway, proving that even world champions chase wild dreams? Or will Millar’s steady hand pull him back to the oche, where their shared future shines brightest? One thing’s certain: in the ring of life, Luke Littler’s next move will be watched closer than any bullseye. For a kid who turned darts into destiny, this personal pivot could be his most daring throw yet—a testament to the unquenchable fire that fuels not just his arm, but his soul.
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