In the whirlwind world of professional darts, where 18-year-old Luke Littler has cemented his status as a global sensation, the young prodigy recently traded the oche for a sun-soaked family holiday in Spain. The PDC World Champion, nicknamed “The Nuke,” shared a heartwarming snapshot on social media, capturing a joyful moment with his family and his close friend, 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar. The image, posted to celebrate his mother Lisa’s birthday, has sparked buzz among fans, highlighting the deepening bond between Littler and Millar, who have been inseparable since meeting earlier this year.
The holiday comes at a time when Littler is navigating a challenging period in his professional career. Fresh off a disappointing defeat in the Premier League final to rival Luke Humphries and a shock early exit from the World Cup of Darts alongside Humphries, the world number two has faced intense scrutiny. At the World Cup in Frankfurt, the English duo, both recently honored with MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours, were stunned by Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in a raucous 8-4 upset. Littler, targeted by the partisan crowd from his first throw, later reflected on the pressure, saying, “It’s a tough one to take, but we’ll come back stronger.” Yet, away from the competitive spotlight, Littler’s radiant smile in the holiday snap tells a story of resilience and personal joy.
The Instagram post, captioned with a heartfelt “Happy birthday mum” alongside a love heart, Spanish flag, and sunglasses emoji, featured Littler and Millar standing proudly among nine others, including his parents, Lisa and Anthony. Lisa, a steadfast supporter often seen cheering her son at tournaments, has been a cornerstone of his journey. A poignant moment earlier this year underscored their bond when Littler, visibly emotional after a match, recounted, “I started crying when I saw my mum in the crowd. She was nervous. I saw her with her head in her hands.” The family’s tight-knit dynamic was further evident as Littler cooled off in a swimming pool with his father and a friend, embracing the carefree spirit of the Spanish getaway.
Millar, a Wigan-based eyelash technician who lives just 15 miles from Littler’s hometown of Warrington, Cheshire, has become a familiar presence in his life. The pair met in February, and their friendship has blossomed rapidly. “Faith and Luke have become firm friends and enjoy one another’s company a lot,” a source close to the duo shared, emphasizing their immediate connection. Millar has joined Littler at high-profile events, including a BoohooMan Q&A in Manchester, and was spotted cheering him on at the O2 Arena during his Premier League final loss. She has also met Littler’s parents and visited his lavish mansion multiple times, a testament to their close bond. Despite their frequent outings, both have insisted they are not romantically involved, with a spokesperson for Littler clarifying, “That’s as far as it goes, they are just good friends for now. Nothing more.”
This friendship marks a new chapter for Littler, who split from his previous girlfriend, 22-year-old Eloise Milburn, in June 2024. The breakup, attributed to Littler’s demanding darts schedule, was followed by a public plea from the young star to shield Milburn from online hostility. “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise. I myself split up with Eloise, and everyone just needs to give us some time,” he urged fans. At 19, Millar is closer in age to Littler than Milburn, and their shared proximity has made their friendship effortless. “They live quite close to each other, so it’s been easy to meet up,” the source added, noting Millar’s bubbly and kind personality as a perfect match for Littler’s grounded demeanor.
Off the oche, Littler’s star continues to rise. Recently signing a brand deal with McDonald’s and appearing on *Gogglebox*, he has embraced his role as a cultural icon, dubbed the face of the “Littler effect” for boosting darts’ popularity. His social media presence, bolstered by 1.9 million Instagram followers, reflects his influence, with sister Caitlin running a fan club that amplifies his every move. Yet, despite his fame and a net worth exceeding £1.3 million, Littler remains tethered to his roots, prioritizing family and close friendships.
The Spanish holiday snap, bathed in sunshine and smiles, offers a glimpse into Littler’s ability to find balance amid the pressures of stardom. As he prepares for upcoming challenges, including the Betfred World Matchplay, Littler’s inner circle—strengthened by Millar’s presence—provides a vital anchor. While Priestley’s earlier jibe about Littler and Humphries “letting their country down” at the World Cup stung, Littler’s focus remains forward-looking. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he vowed, a promise that resonates both on the dartboard and in the heartwarming moments he shares with those closest to him.
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