The mother of Eloise Milburn, the 21-year-old girlfriend of darts prodigy Luke Littler, has spoken out against the “vile” abuse her daughter has received online due to the couple’s five-year age gap. The couple, who have been dating for six weeks, found themselves in the public eye after Littler’s meteoric rise in the World Darts Championship.
At just 16 years old, Littler has a chance to make history as the youngest ever winner of the prestigious tournament. His success on the oche has turned him into a household name and brought intense scrutiny to his personal life. Unfortunately, the attention has also led to harsh criticism, with trolls targeting Eloise Milburn and accusing her of ulterior motives in the relationship.
### **A Spotlight on a Young Romance**
Luke Littler’s rise from a 66/1 outsider to a finalist at the World Darts Championship has been nothing short of extraordinary. The teenager is set to compete for the title at London’s Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night, where he could walk away with £500,000 and the coveted trophy.
The unexpected spotlight on Littler’s personal life, however, has been less celebratory. Trolls have taken aim at his relationship with Milburn, which reportedly began after the two met while playing FIFA on Xbox. While their bond appears to have grown naturally over shared interests, the couple has faced a wave of negativity online.
### **Mother Speaks Out Against the Abuse**
Eloise’s mother, Amanda Milburn, has strongly defended her daughter amid the backlash. In an interview with the *Daily Mail*, she condemned the accusations being made against Eloise, describing them as “a total pack of disgusting lies.”
> “Eloise has been accused of all sorts,” said Mrs. Milburn. “She doesn’t care about his money or his fame; she’s with him because she likes him. It’s as simple as that.”
Amanda emphasized the hurt caused by the online comments, many of which have come from self-proclaimed darts fans.
> “It’s really hurtful when we read these comments,” she added. “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.”
### **A Family’s Support for Love**
Amanda and her husband, Phil, have yet to meet Littler in person, though they have spoken with him over the phone. Amanda noted that the young couple’s relationship seems to be progressing well and even suggested that marriage could be a possibility in the future. However, she admitted her daughter might not appreciate the speculation.
> “She’ll probably kill me for saying that,” Amanda joked.
Despite the challenges posed by the distance between them—Littler lives in Warrington, Cheshire, while Milburn resides with her parents in Hersham, Surrey, over 200 miles away—the pair has managed to maintain their connection.
### **Rising Star Amid Adversity**
Littler’s journey to the World Darts Championship finals has been nothing short of remarkable. At such a young age, he has displayed composure and skill beyond his years, earning admiration from fans and professionals alike. However, his personal life’s exposure has brought unwanted attention, with critics questioning the authenticity of his relationship with Milburn.
For Eloise, the accusations have been particularly painful, as they undermine her intentions and character. Her mother’s vocal support highlights the importance of family during such trying times, as well as the challenges young couples face in the public eye.
### **The Bigger Picture**
The controversy surrounding Littler and Milburn’s relationship underscores a broader issue of online harassment faced by public figures and their loved ones. Social media platforms often become breeding grounds for negativity, where strangers feel emboldened to pass judgment without considering the real-life impact of their words.
Amanda Milburn’s plea for understanding is a reminder of the human side of public figures. Beyond the headlines and social media chatter are real people navigating relationships, careers, and life’s challenges.
### **A Bright Future for Littler**
While the online abuse has cast a shadow over Littler’s remarkable achievements, it’s clear that the young darts star remains focused on his game. As he prepares for the biggest match of his career, fans will undoubtedly be cheering him on, recognizing the talent and determination that have brought him to this point.
For Littler and Milburn, the scrutiny may be an unwelcome side effect of their newfound fame, but their bond and the support of their families suggest they have the resilience to rise above it.
As Littler takes to the stage at Alexandra Palace, the hope is that the conversation shifts back to his impressive skills and record-breaking potential. And for Eloise, perhaps the trolls will come to see what her family has always known—that she’s simply a young woman supporting someone she cares about.
### **Final Thoughts**
Luke Littler’s story is one of talent, hard work, and determination. While his relationship with Eloise Milburn has faced undue criticism, their families’ support serves as a testament to the strength of their connection.
As Littler steps into the spotlight once again, it’s a chance for the world to focus on his incredible achievements—and perhaps leave the negativity behind. In the end, the darts star’s performance on Wednesday night may be the perfect answer to the doubters, reminding everyone of what truly matters: his extraordinary potential and bright future.