Luke Littler, the teenage sensation lighting up the professional darts world as “The Nuke,” has publicly addressed the end of his relationship with ex-girlfriend Eloise Milburn amid swirling rumors and unwanted online attention directed at her.
The 17-year-old darts prodigy, who skyrocketed to fame with his remarkable run to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship final, took to Instagram to set the record straight following reports of their split. Littler and Milburn, who is four years his senior, had been together for about 10 months after meeting in August 2022 during a PDC Development Tour event in Leicester. Their connection was instant, and the relationship quickly became a visible part of his journey as he navigated the pressures of elite competition.
Milburn was a constant source of support during Littler’s breakthrough moments. She was often spotted in the crowd at Alexandra Palace cheering him on as he advanced through the World Championship bracket, ultimately falling 7-4 to Luke Humphries in the final. Her presence added a personal touch to his high-profile matches, with fans appreciating the young couple’s bond amid the intense spotlight.
However, as Littler’s career exploded—with relentless travel, back-to-back tournaments, and a packed schedule—the demands of the professional circuit began to take their toll. The pair found it increasingly difficult to carve out quality time together, leading to a mutual and amicable decision to part ways in July 2024. A close source described the situation as still “very raw” for Littler, noting he was naturally upset but that the two had agreed to remain friends with no lingering animosity. “It had become increasingly difficult for them to spend quality time together due to Luke’s demanding schedule on the professional darts circuit,” the source explained. “Calling time on their relationship seemed to be the only way forward… there is no bad blood between them, and Eloise is completely supportive of Luke’s career.”
While both maintained a low profile on the specifics of the breakup, the story gained traction in the media, prompting some fans to unleash harsh comments and blame toward Milburn across social platforms. The negativity escalated to the point where Littler felt compelled to intervene. With his massive Instagram following of over 1.4 million, he posted a direct and strongly worded statement defending his ex and calling for respect. “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise, saying it’s her fault and this and that,” he wrote. “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.”
The message highlighted Littler’s maturity beyond his years, as he balanced the emotional fallout of a public breakup with the ongoing demands of his rising stardom. He emphasized that the decision was his own and stressed the importance of privacy during a difficult period.
Despite the personal challenges, Littler’s focus on the oche remains unwavering. His career continues its meteoric ascent. He claimed a major triumph at the Polish Darts Masters by defeating Rob Cross in a thrilling final, alongside victories in two European Tour events and the opening Players Championship title earlier in the year. These successes have propelled his world ranking upward, reaching No. 25 around the time of the World Matchplay. Perhaps most impressively, he captured the Premier League Darts title in his debut attempt, defeating Luke Humphries in the final and avenging his World Championship defeat in style.
Even in recent outings, such as his 10-6 loss to Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, Littler has shown resilience and poise. At just 17 (now approaching 19 as of early 2026 reports), he embodies the rare combination of raw talent, mental strength, and composure under pressure that has earned him widespread admiration from peers and fans alike.
The breakup has thrust Littler’s personal life into the headlines, serving as a reminder of the unique pressures faced by young athletes in the social media era. Yet his candid response demonstrates a growing awareness of his influence and a commitment to protecting those around him from unwarranted scrutiny. As he channels his energy back into competition, fans can expect to see more of the explosive scoring and fearless attitude that have defined his early career.
With upcoming tournaments on the horizon and ambitions to climb even higher in the rankings, Littler is poised to add more silverware to his collection. His story—blending extraordinary on-stage achievements with relatable off-stage realities—continues to captivate the darts world, proving that even prodigies must navigate the complexities of life beyond the board.