Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” has taken to Instagram to counter rumors and defend his ex-girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, amid online harassment following their breakup. The couple, who began dating in 2022, reportedly ended their relationship due to the pressures of Littler’s demanding professional darts career.
Littler and Milburn first connected at a PDC Development Tour event in Leicester in August 2022, quickly forming a bond. Milburn became a familiar face at Littler’s matches, including his remarkable run to the World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace, where he fell 7-4 to Luke Humphries. Her presence in the stands, cheering him on, was a constant during his high-profile moments.
As Littler’s career surged, however, the couple struggled with his grueling schedule. A source cited by The Sun explained that the limited time they could spend together strained their relationship, leading to an amicable split. “Luke’s commitments on the darts circuit made quality time tough,” the source said. “There’s no bad blood, and Eloise remains supportive of his career.”
Despite their mutual respect, Milburn faced harsh online criticism after the breakup was reported. Some fans unfairly targeted her, prompting Littler, with his 1.4 million Instagram followers, to speak out. In a candid post, he urged fans to stop the hate, clarifying that he initiated the breakup and that it was a private matter. “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise, saying it’s her fault,” he wrote. “I split up with Eloise, and we just need some time. No need to message her and give her grief.”
The public scrutiny hasn’t slowed Littler’s professional momentum. Recently, he faced Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, falling 10-6. Yet, his season has been stellar, with a major title at the Polish Darts Masters, victories in two European Tour events, and the Players Championship title in February. His Premier League triumph, defeating Humphries to avenge his World Championship loss, has propelled him to a world ranking of 25, a remarkable feat for a teenager.
Littler’s maturity shines both on and off the oche. His response to the breakup backlash reflects his ability to handle fame’s pressures while protecting those close to him. As he gears up for future tournaments, aiming to climb higher in the rankings, Littler remains focused on his game. His appeal to fans for respect underscores his commitment to maintaining dignity amid personal challenges.
With his talent and resilience, Littler’s future in darts looks boundless. As he continues to captivate audiences, he’s also setting boundaries, reminding fans to prioritize respect in the social media age. For now, “The Nuke” is locked in, ready to keep rewriting the darts record books.