World darts champion Luke Littler employs security following fan altercation
Darts prodigy Luke "The Nuke" Littler, who at just 17 years old clinched the world champion title, has now got a personal bodyguard following his stunning 7-3 win over Michael Van Gerwen at London's Alexandra Palace.
A source revealed: "Luke is now one of the most recognisable faces in the country and has a lot of new fans. Sometimes people can be a little overzealous when they see him, so it's sensible to have someone alongside him who can step in to help if needed."
Peter Purkins, a tattooed security expert with experience at professional darts events across the UK and Europe, as well as top-flight football matches, is the man tasked with keeping Luke safe. Notably, Luke, last month's BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, had a close call in March when he was accosted by an overenthusiastic fan before his Premier League match against Van Gerwen in Belfast.
READ MORE: Man, 60, left with serious injuries from pub attack as police search for these men
READ MORE: Couple's 'freezing' Chester family home features in new Love It or List It series
His rise to fame has been meteoric since he made it to the final of the PDC World Darts Championship last year.
The darting world has been abuzz since Luke Littler, at just under 18 years old, claimed the prestigious title by defeating the renowned Dutch player Van Gerwen, 35, becoming the youngest ever to win and securing a massive £500,000 prize. Industry insiders say that Littler has raked in approximately £3million over the past year through winnings and endorsements and hint at potential career earnings up to £50million.
Dreaming of a Mercedes A-Class, Littler is yet to pass his driving test but remains enthusiastic about the purchase. The young star and his family - mother Lisa, 40, a retail worker, and taxi driver father Anthony, 43, settled into their Warrington mansion in October.
Fresh off his victory, Luke treated himself to a family holiday in Benidorm, observing his older brother compete in darts, all whilst travelling modestly via Ryanair despite his half a million-pound triumph.
Accompanied by parents Lisa and Anthony, sister Caitlin, brother Leon, his partner, and their child, Luke savoured his time in Spain, popping into Bar Players Sports Bar in Albir where he supported his brother Leon, age 21, in a darts competition.
The venue celebrated Luke's presence on social media, proclaiming: "Last night saw the first darts tournament of 2025 and what a night it was. With a special appearance from the Darts Champion of the World Luke Littler and his family and friends."
"We were very honoured to be in the company of an amazing dart player and person. With Luke's brother Leon taking part the night was a great one as you can expect."