In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and poise under pressure define champions, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler is no stranger to defying expectations. The reigning world champion, who burst onto the global stage as the youngest ever winner of the PDC World Darts Championship just a year ago, has transcended the sport’s traditional boundaries. From viral TikTok clips of his record-breaking checkouts to sold-out arenas chanting his name, Littler’s meteoric rise has turned him into a cultural phenomenon. But amid his latest triumph at the Grand Slam of Darts—cruising to the knockout stages with a dominant 5-1 victory over veteran Daryl Gurney—Littler found himself fielding questions not about triple 20s, but about something far more unpredictable: the sweltering Australian jungle and the reality TV spectacle that’s captured the nation’s imagination.
The catalyst for this unexpected pivot? Littler’s best mate, the fiery social media influencer known as Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle. At 24, Burtwistle has carved out his own slice of fame through explosive gaming streams, where his unfiltered rants and hilarious meltdowns over virtual football matches have amassed millions of views. With a net worth estimated well over £1 million from sponsorships, viral TikToks, and Twitch marathons, Ginge represents the raw, relatable energy of Gen Z stardom. The duo’s friendship, forged in late-night FIFA sessions and shared laughs over darts mishaps, has been a highlight for fans. They’ve collaborated on everything from online challenges to a memorable stint on *Celebrity Gogglebox*, where their banter lit up screens. But now, as Burtwistle swaps his gaming chair for a camp bed Down Under, Littler can’t help but cheer him on—while dropping a bombshell about what it would take to lure him into the fray.
Picture this: the sun-baked Australian wilderness, where celebrities trade luxury for bug-infested hammocks and face off in trials that test gag reflexes more than hand-eye coordination. *I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!*, the ITV juggernaut that’s been dishing out drama since 2002, is back for its 2025 edition, promising a lineup blending old-school icons with fresh-faced influencers. Burtwistle’s inclusion feels like a masterstroke—his larger-than-life persona, complete with that trademark ginger mane and zero-filter attitude, is tailor-made for the show’s mix of chaos and camaraderie. He touched down in Australia on a balmy Monday, mobbed by fans and reporters flashing cameras, his excitement palpable as he geared up for the premiere. For Littler, who’s been in the loop on this jungle jaunt for months, it’s a no-brainer that his pal will thrive. “I think he’s going to do very well,” Littler shared with a grin during a post-match press scrum in Wolverhampton, his voice carrying the easy confidence of someone who’s just notched his 10th straight win. “I’ve known for a very long time. We’ll have to vote him on and see what he has to eat.”
It’s classic Ginge fuel for the fire. Burtwistle’s competitive streak is legendary—recall that heated online darts showdown earlier this year, where he narrowly fell 3-2 to Littler and let loose with a playful tirade: “F***ing cheating b******, f*** sake!” The outburst, born of pure frustration after missing a crucial double 18, went viral, showcasing the streamer’s infectious passion that endears him to audiences. That same fire, Littler predicts, will serve him well in the bush. He’s already eyeing the infamous eating trials, those stomach-churning Bushtucker challenges where stars munch on everything from witchetty grubs to camel eyelids for the chance at camp luxuries. “I think he’s going to do very well,” Littler repeated, his eyes lighting up at the thought. Teaming up with the likes of rapper Aitch and TV veteran Jack Osbourne in early challenges, Burtwistle wasted no time proving his mettle, clinching the first trial at “The Divey” revolting restaurant alongside Ruby Wax. His mum, Michelle, even spilled pre-jungle prep details during a heartfelt phone call, revealing how he’d been bulking up with protein shakes to handle the hardships.
Yet, as the buzz around Burtwistle’s debut builds—complete with speculation on his plot to outlast the pack, drawing tips from jungle legends—attention inevitably turns to Littler himself. Could the darts wunderkind, with his boyish charm and unflappable cool, be the next big name to brave the critters and campfires? At just 18, he’s already a household name, his global stardom pulling in crowds that rival football matches. But Littler isn’t one to rush into the spotlight without a say. When prodded on the possibility of ditching the darts circuit for a fortnight of reality TV, he paused, then flashed a cheeky smile. “Erm maybe… If they come around for the right price,” he quipped. “I might go over for a couple weeks.” It’s the kind of line that sends producers scrambling for their checkbooks—an “eye-watering” fee, as insiders might whisper, befitting a teen titan whose every throw commands millions in prize money and endorsements. After all, Littler’s not just playing darts; he’s redefining celebrity in a sport once confined to smoky pubs.
This playful nudge underscores the whirlwind life Littler now leads. Barely out of his teens, he’s defended titles at the Grand Slam with the poise of a veteran, topping his group unbeaten and eyeing another trophy. Off the board, his bond with Burtwistle highlights a camaraderie that grounds him amid the frenzy. From accidental on-stream reveals—like the time Littler slipped up about a secret love interest during a gaming sesh, prompting Ginge’s hilarious “Who the f*** is that? Who’s that Luke?” meltdown—to joint ventures that blend sports and streaming, their friendship is a reminder that even prodigies need mates who keep it real.
As Burtwistle settles into jungle life, facing trials that would make most blanch, fans are left wondering: will Littler’s price tag ever align with ITV’s budget? For now, he’s content lobbing darts and votes from afar, rooting for his “very well”-doomed pal to conquer the critters. In a year that’s seen darts collide with pop culture like never before, this duo’s story is just heating up—proving that whether it’s a 180 checkout or a kangaroo steak, the real winners are those who play with heart. One thing’s certain: if Littler does step into the bush, it’ll be on terms that match his skyrocketing star power, turning the oche’s cool precision into the jungle’s wild unpredictability.
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