In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and composure under pressure define champions, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler has faced more than just tough opponents on the oche. His whirlwind romance with 22-year-old Eloise Milburn—a relationship that began innocently over FIFA sessions on Xbox—has thrust the young couple into the glare of public scrutiny, reigniting debates over their seven-year age gap. Now, as Littler dominates the 2025 PDC circuit with back-to-back Premier League wins and eyes another World Championship run, Milburn’s mother, Amanda, has stepped forward to fiercely defend her daughter against a barrage of “vile” online trolls, calling out accusations of gold-digging and exploitation as “disgusting lies.”
The Backlash: From Ally Pally Kiss to Social Media Storm
The couple’s story first captured headlines during Littler’s fairy-tale debut at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, where the then-16-year-old reached the final at London’s Alexandra Palace. A televised kiss with Milburn, then 21, after his semifinal win over Rob Cross went viral, drawing cheers from fans but also a torrent of vitriol online. Trolls flooded social media with cruel jabs, branding Milburn a “money grabber” chasing Littler’s burgeoning fame and £500,000 prize purse, while others fixated on the age difference, questioning her intentions with a teenager on the cusp of stardom.
The abuse escalated as Littler’s star rose: From his Premier League Darts triumph in May 2024 to a career-high world No. 4 ranking by mid-2025, every milestone amplified the noise. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #LukeAndEloise trended with a mix of support and shade, including posts decrying the relationship as “inappropriate” and memes mocking Milburn’s role as a beauty consultant and amateur darts player. “Eloise has been accused of all sorts,” Amanda Milburn told the Daily Mail in a raw interview, her voice thick with anger. “My husband Phil and I are furious. That’s a total pack of disgusting lies.”
A Mother’s Fierce Protection: “They’re Just Two Young People in Love”
Amanda, a 45-year-old from Hersham, Surrey, painted a picture of a genuine, low-key romance far removed from the tabloid frenzy. The pair met in late 2023 through mutual gaming friends, bonding over virtual football before transitioning to real-life dates. Despite the 200-mile distance between Littler’s Warrington home and Milburn’s family base, they’ve navigated young love with video calls and weekend meetups, often centered around darts—Milburn herself competes in the Surrey Super League for Walton Working Men’s Club.
“It’s early days, a growing relationship,” Amanda emphasized, noting her daughter has kept things private, even denying her parents tickets to early tournaments to avoid rushing introductions. “Eloise made it clear she doesn’t want us meeting Luke just yet—it’s too soon. But we’ve spoken on the phone, and he seems like a lovely lad.” She dismissed the gold-digger narrative outright: “They’re both young, both passionate about darts and gaming. This isn’t about money or fame—it’s about two people who clicked.”
The defense comes at a poignant time. By 2025, Littler (now 18) and Milburn (22) have weathered the storm, with the couple occasionally sharing subtle Instagram nods amid Littler’s packed schedule. Yet echoes of the 2024 backlash persist, especially as Littler, dubbed “The Nuke” for his explosive style, prepares for the World Grand Prix in October.
Broader Context: Age Gaps in the Spotlight and Littler’s Meteoric Rise
This isn’t the first time age-gap relationships in sports have sparked debate—think Wayne Rooney and Coleen in their teens, or more recently, rugby stars facing similar scrutiny. In darts, a traditionally working-class sport, Littler’s overnight fame has blurred lines between fan adoration and invasive gossip. His 2024 World Championship runner-up finish netted £200,000, but by September 2025, endorsements from McDonald’s and designer brands have pushed his net worth past £2 million, fueling outdated “gold-digger” tropes.
Littler himself has stayed above the fray, focusing on the board. In a recent PDC interview, he shrugged off the noise: “People will say what they say. Eloise gets it—she’s tough.” Milburn, studying criminology part-time while working as a barmaid, has mirrored that resilience, channeling her darts hobby into quiet support from the stands.
Amanda’s stand highlights a deeper issue: the dark side of viral fame. “The trolls are vile, but they don’t know us,” she said. “Leave them alone to be happy.” As Littler lines up for his next 180, his personal life serves as a reminder that even darts’ golden boy navigates more than just doubles.
