Luke Littler, the teenage darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” has spoken out publicly about the end of his relationship with former girlfriend Eloise Milburn after online speculation and criticism began circulating following their split.
The 17-year-old prodigy, who burst onto the global stage with a stunning run to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship final, addressed the situation directly on Instagram in an effort to calm growing attention around his personal life. Littler and Milburn, who is four years older than him, had been in a relationship for around ten months after first meeting in August 2022 at a PDC Development Tour event in Leicester. What began as a chance meeting quickly developed into a close bond, and their relationship soon became a familiar talking point as Littler’s career began to accelerate.
During his rapid rise in the sport, Milburn was regularly seen supporting him at major events, including the famous Alexandra Palace stage during his breakthrough World Championship run. Littler ultimately finished runner-up after a dramatic final against Luke Humphries, losing 7-4, but his performances throughout the tournament made him one of the most talked-about young athletes in the sport. Milburn’s visible support during that period was often highlighted by fans, who saw the pair as part of the emotional story behind his sudden rise to fame.
As Littler’s career progressed, however, the demands of professional darts began to increase significantly. A packed schedule of international tournaments, constant travel, media commitments, and intense competition made it increasingly difficult for the pair to spend time together. Over time, those pressures reportedly began to take their toll on the relationship.
By July 2024, the couple made the decision to separate. Reports at the time suggested the split was mutual and amicable, with both sides agreeing that their demanding lifestyles were making it hard to maintain the relationship. A source close to the situation described the breakup as emotionally difficult for Littler, but insisted there was no hostility between the two. According to the source, both remained respectful of each other, with Milburn continuing to support Littler’s career despite the end of their relationship.
The situation, however, gained significant attention online, with sections of social media users wrongly directing blame toward Milburn. As speculation and criticism intensified, Littler felt it necessary to step in and address the matter publicly. Using his large Instagram platform, where he has more than a million followers, he posted a clear message urging fans to stop targeting his ex-girlfriend.
In his statement, Littler explained that the decision to end the relationship was his own and asked for privacy and respect for both parties. He strongly discouraged the wave of negativity being directed at Milburn, making it clear she was not responsible for the breakup. His message emphasized that online harassment was unfair and unnecessary, especially during what was already a difficult personal period for both of them.
The response highlighted a level of maturity from Littler that has often been noted by those following his career. Despite his age, he has been forced to navigate not only the pressures of elite-level sport but also the challenges that come with sudden fame and public attention on his private life. His statement was seen by many fans as an attempt to draw a line under the speculation and protect Milburn from further unwanted attention.
While dealing with the personal fallout, Littler has continued to maintain his focus on darts, where his rise shows no signs of slowing down. Since breaking onto the scene, he has collected multiple major achievements, including winning the Polish Darts Masters after defeating Rob Cross in a high-quality final. He has also secured victories on the European Tour and claimed an early Players Championship title, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
His rapid progress has also seen him climb the world rankings at an impressive pace, reaching inside the top 25 during a breakout period of form. One of his standout achievements came in the Premier League Darts competition, where he went on to win the title on his debut appearance, defeating Luke Humphries in the final and avenging his earlier World Championship loss in style.
Even in defeat, Littler has shown resilience and composure beyond his years. Matches against experienced opponents such as Michael van Gerwen have tested him, but he has continued to demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level of the sport. His scoring power, confidence, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in modern darts.
The public interest in his personal life has inevitably grown alongside his success, but Littler’s recent comments reflect an understanding of the responsibility that comes with his profile. By addressing the situation directly, he has attempted to protect those around him while keeping the focus on his career.
As he continues to compete on the biggest stages, Littler remains one of the sport’s most closely watched talents. With more tournaments ahead and further opportunities to add to his growing list of achievements, his journey is still only at an early stage. Despite the distractions off the oche, his performances suggest a player with the ability to shape the future of darts for years to come.