Darts sensation Luke Littler has opened up about his split from girlfriend Eloise Milburn.
The teenage darting ace, who had a stunning run to the PDC World Championship final, was noticeably off his game against Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay, sparking rumours of a personal upset. His first round defeat was also noticeable for the absence of the 17-year-old’s partner Eloise, 21, in the crowd.
Littler only started dating Eloise a few weeks before he shot to international acclaim and the pair, who met during a development tour in Leicester, have since struggled to make time for one another, while under the spotlight of fame. That has led to what has been described as a “very raw” split, with the former couple said to be “very upset” but still friends.
READ MORE: Grace Charis in ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as top comes undone at The Open
READ MORE: Model and TikTok star with ’roundest bum in MMA’ gets dream UFC call up – despite trolls
And now Littler, usually tight-lipped about his private life, has broken his silence on Instagram with a heartfelt message to his followers and a plea to trolls to leave Eloise alone. He said: “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise saying it’s her fault this and that.”
The young darts king, from Warrington, added: “I myself split up with Eloise and everyone just needs to give us some time. No need for everyone to message her and give her grief.”
(Image: (Image: Getty))
The young couple, who became an item shortly before Littler’s meteoric rise at the Ally Pally, were inseparable, often spotted cuddling up in public and recently jetting off to New York together. However, The Sun reports the relationship has come to an end, leaving Littler to navigate both heartbreak and the oche.
A source told the tabloid: “Luke and Eloise have broken up and it is still very raw. He is naturally very upset but they have agreed to stay friends.”
Littler’s jam-packed schedule is rumoured to have put a strain on his relationship. The age difference between the couple has also been a point of contention, with 21 year old Milburn previously addressing the issue after being targeted by online trolls, reports the Express.
(Image: (Image: Getty))
“It was tough to start with,” she confessed in the past. “The first day I let it get to me a lot. But you learn that as long as the pair of you are happy, that’s all that matters. The people that matter most are supportive of us.”
Littler, who frequently posted pictures of him and Milburn together on social media, remained defiant. He told naysayers he would “stick with her whether people like it or not”.
The darts player didn’t mention any personal issues following his subdued exit in Blackpool, where he lost 10-6 to Van Gerwen in the first round. His performance was noticeably subpar, struggling to maintain any sort of momentum.
Despite this, the world No. 25 continues to be the sport’s headline act, having clinched his first Premier League title in May. Amid his rapid rise to fame, he’s been praised for drawing a new crowd to darts.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The young man previously admitted: “It’s one of those things with plane-loads of fame and plane-loads of followers. It’s certainly changed my life.”
Speaking to GQ , Luke added: “I think it’s me being so young, beating all these professionals who have been on the tour for 20, 30 years.
“Maybe people are looking up to me, because if I can do that, surely if someone practices for three, four years, then hopefully they can do what I’ve done.”