Luke Littler Kisses Girlfriend Faith in Heartwarming Moment Before World Matchplay Quarter-Final Triumph
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and reigning PDC World Champion, shared a tender moment with his girlfriend, Faith Millar, just moments before securing a dramatic quarter-final victory at the 2025 World Matchplay Darts tournament in Blackpool. The couple, who went public with their relationship in July 2025, exchanged a passionate kiss in the crowd at the Winter Gardens, captured by TV cameras and broadcast to millions. The heartfelt gesture, made before Littler’s clash with Andrew Gilding on July 26, 2025, served as a lucky charm, propelling the teenager to a 16-14 win and his first-ever semi-final appearance at the prestigious event. Littler’s success, which included a tournament-record 18 maximum 180s, underscored the supportive role Millar plays in his skyrocketing career.
The Moment: A Kiss for Good Luck
As Littler prepared for his quarter-final against the 54-year-old Gilding, the cameras panned to Millar, 19, in the stands. The beautician from Essex, who has been a constant presence in Littler’s corner, leaned in for a kiss, which Littler returned with a smile. The intimate exchange, aired on Sky Sports, marked a shift from their earlier insistence that they were “just friends.” Littler and Millar were first photographed together in May 2025 during a BoohooMan Q&A in Manchester, but insiders at the time described them as pals. Their relationship was confirmed publicly at the World Matchplay, with the kiss symbolizing Millar’s unwavering support amid Littler’s intense schedule.
The moment proved auspicious: Littler held off a late surge from Gilding, who had won six of seven legs at one point, to clinch the match with a 96 average and 18 maximums—a new Matchplay record. “Faith’s my rock,” Littler later said in a Sky Sports interview. “Having her there gives me that extra boost.” Millar, beaming from the crowd, joined Littler on stage after his subsequent semi-final win over Josh Rock, further cementing their partnership.
From Friendship to Romance: The Couple’s Journey
Littler and Millar, both from northern England, bonded over shared interests in sports and a down-to-earth lifestyle. Millar, a beauty consultant, met Littler through mutual friends in early 2025, and their connection grew during his breakout year. Despite initial denials—”That’s as far as it goes, they are just good friends for now,” a spokesman said in May— the pair’s chemistry was evident. They were spotted together at Littler’s Australian Darts Masters win in August 2025, where Millar met his parents for the first time.
The World Matchplay kiss was their boldest public affirmation, coming after months of speculation. Littler, who previously dated Eloise Milburn during his 2024 World Championship run, has spoken about Millar’s stabilizing influence: “She’s what I needed—normalcy amid the madness.” Millar, facing online trolls, has been praised for her support, with Littler defending her: “Jealous people wanna ruin us, but she’s amazing.”
Littler’s Triumph: A Record-Breaking Run
Littler’s quarter-final win over Gilding was the highlight of a stellar Matchplay campaign. Seeded fourth, he breezed past Ryan Searle (10-2), Jermaine Wattimena (10-7), and Rock (17-13 in the semi-final, hitting a nine-darter) before facing James Wade in the final on July 27. The victory, worth £200,000, made Littler the youngest player to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay), joining Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as the only achievers.
Littler’s 2025 has been phenomenal: 17 PDC titles, five majors, and over £2 million in earnings. The Matchplay success, with a record 64 maximums across the tournament, solidified his status as darts’ golden boy. “Faith’s kiss was my good luck charm,” he joked post-match. With the World Grand Prix next (October 7-12), Littler’s personal and professional life is thriving.
Fan Reactions: Heartwarming and Wholesome
Fans adored the moment, flooding social media with praise. On X, one post read: “Luke Littler kissing Faith before his Matchplay quarter-final? Heartwarming—love seeing The Nuke happy! 💕” (@DartsFanatic). Another noted, “From darts board to love story—Luke and Faith are goals” (@TheNukeArmy). The kiss, broadcast live, humanized Littler amid his meteoric rise, with supporters celebrating his balance of fame and romance.
As Littler prepares for more majors, his relationship with Millar adds a wholesome layer to his journey. The World Matchplay triumph, sealed with a kiss, proves that even in the high-pressure world of darts, love conquers all.
