Emma Paton has revealed what Luke Littler is really like behind-the-scenes | Other | Sport
Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton has lifted the lid on what world number one Luke Littler is really like away from the spotlight. The reigning world champion has wowed fans at this year’s PDC World Darts Championship with his razor-sharp accuracy, dropping just two sets en route to tonight’s crunch semi-final clash against ‘Heavy Metal’ Ryan Searle.
However, the 18-year-old’s temperament has been called into question after ‘The Nuke’ unleashed an astonishing rant at the Ally Pally faithful following his enthralling last-16 victory over former world champion Rob Cross. The capacity crowd in north London backed underdog Cross throughout the match with some sections of the audience booing Littler as he took to the oche – with the unexpected hostility appearing to get under the teenager’s skin.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, a visibly irritated Littler turned to the crowd and snapped: “I’m not bothered, I’m not bothered, really, I’m not bothered! Can I just say one thing? You guys pay for tickets and pay for my prize money so thank you for the money, thank you for booing me!”
After cooling down backstage, Littler admitted that he had “lost his head” after launching the angry tirade – but Paton insists that outburst is far from the norm. The fan favourite presenter, who anchors the evening sessions at the Worlds, says the Warrington-born ace normally cuts a much calmer figure behind the scenes.
Speaking to the Mirror before his 18th birthday, she explained: “It’s like speaking to a 17-year-old. He’s very chilled out. He’s a very chilled-out character in general, which is in contrast to what you see on the stage, where he comes alive and is a real showman and an entertainer.
“I think he’s done so well. He was thrust into the limelight […] and it’s a testament to him being a good kid and having good people around him that he has dealt with everything so well.”
The 31-year-old presenter also highlighted Littler’s composure when things haven’t gone his way. “It’s one thing speaking when you’re having success and winning things, but you’ve also got to speak when things aren’t going so well,” Paton said.
“Coming into the Grand Slam [which he went on to win in 2024 and 2025], he’d had a number of TV tournament exits. That’s when things turn with people saying he’s in awful form and asking, ‘Can he get back to winning ways?’ and ‘Is this the end of it?’
“Even then, he’s spoken very eloquently. I think he’s maybe got a bit more comfortable with things now. In the last few months, he’s probably been himself more. I suppose that comes with doing more and getting more used to it. But he’s always been a joy to speak to.”
