Luke Littler, the 16-year-old darts prodigy, is making waves in the sport as he prepares to become the youngest player to compete in the final of the World Darts Championship. On Wednesday evening, he will step onto the stage at the prestigious Alexandra Palace in London to face a historic showdown. Littler’s impressive victory over 33-year-old Rob Cross in the semi-final has already secured him a remarkable £200,000 in prize money, with a potential £500,000 windfall awaiting him if he clinches the title.
Amid the excitement surrounding Littler’s meteoric rise, the spotlight has also turned to his personal life, particularly his relationship with 21-year-old Eloise Milburn, a fellow darts player from Hersham, Surrey. The couple, who have been dating for six weeks, have captured public attention, but not all of it has been positive. Since news of their relationship emerged, Milburn has faced a barrage of accusations from online trolls, who have labeled her a “gold-digger” intent on exploiting Littler’s newfound fame and earnings.
However, Milburn’s family has come forward to fiercely defend her against these malicious claims. Speaking to the *Mail Online*, her mother, Amanda Milburn, expressed her outrage over the hurtful comments being circulated online. “There’s been a lot of horrible stuff being posted about my daughter,” said Amanda. “My husband Phil and I are very angry about it. Eloise has been accused of all sorts and that she’s only with Luke because of his money and fame. But that’s a total pack of lies and disgusting.”
Amanda Milburn was adamant that her daughter’s relationship with Littler is genuine, based solely on mutual affection and shared interests. “She’s not with him for any of these reasons. She doesn’t care about his money or his fame; she’s with him because she likes him. It’s as simple as that.” The family has been deeply hurt by the negative online discourse, with Amanda noting, “It’s really hurtful when we read these comments, many of them from so-called darts fans. My daughter is none of these things that these vile people are making out. She’s a lovely young girl who is in a new relationship, and people should allow them to get on with things.”
Littler and Milburn’s relationship began through an unexpected medium: playing the Xbox football game *Fifa*. The connection quickly grew, and the couple recently made their romance public with a televised kiss following Littler’s quarter-final victory. For Milburn, the decision to go public was a significant step, especially given the intense scrutiny surrounding her partner’s high-profile career.
Amanda Milburn also shared some personal insights into her daughter’s budding romance. Despite the public nature of their relationship, the couple is still taking things slowly. “Eloise has made it clear that she doesn’t want us going [to Alexandra Palace] because she thinks things are still at an early stage between her and Luke. They’re in a growing relationship, not a very serious one, although that might come later,” she explained. Amanda revealed that she has not yet met Littler, respecting her daughter’s wish to keep things low-key while they continue to explore their connection.
As Littler prepares for what could be the defining moment of his young career, he remains focused on his performance, determined not to let the off-court drama distract him. “I’ve got nothing to lose – it’s a free hit for myself,” Littler remarked in a pre-match interview. “There’s no pressure. It’s my first time being here, and I’m still here, so [I’ll] just take it in my stride.”
The darts sensation from Warrington, Cheshire, has captivated fans with his talent, resilience, and composure. His journey to the final has already etched his name into the sport’s history, and millions are expected to tune in to witness his performance. With the unwavering support of his girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, and his family, Littler is ready to seize the moment, proving that his rise is driven by talent, hard work, and determination—qualities that define a true champion.
The criticism directed at Milburn underscores the challenges faced by those in the public eye, particularly young athletes and their loved ones. The scrutiny can be harsh and deeply personal, but the resilience shown by both Littler and Milburn serves as a reminder of the strength required to navigate fame. As they move forward together, they do so with the knowledge that genuine support and love cannot be shaken by baseless accusations and online vitriol. For Littler, the focus remains on the darts board; for Milburn, the aim is to stand by him without being defined by the opinions of strangers. Together, they embody the spirit of perseverance and determination, qualities that will undoubtedly serve them well in the challenges ahead.