Fallon Sherrock, the women's world number three, is one of 24 players who will compete against Luke Littler for a £501,000 prize in the live show of the Netflix programme 'Beat Luke Littler' next week.
Sherrock, 32, could win half a million pounds if she beats the double world champion in a one-off leg of 501. She made history in 2020 as the first woman to win at the World Championship, reaching the third round, and has competed at Alexandra Palace every year but one since.
Amateur contestants and their backgrounds
Other contestants are amateurs, including a former army captain, an Australian jockey, and a former player who has faced Phil Taylor. Mark Pooke, who played in the UK Open nearly 20 years ago, took out a 501 leg in 12 darts during the audition and is trying to return to the tour.
“My dream is to get myself back on to the PDC circuit, but I can’t afford to do it, so this really is my last chance,” Pooke said. “I know I’ve still got the game; I just need to bring it out on the night. I have nothing to lose – the way I see it, he’s got to beat me, I don’t have to beat him.”
Jockey and army captain among hopefuls
Australian jockey Zac Spain, known as Zachariah the Electrifiah, came from Melbourne for his audition last month. “I’ve had over 670 winners as a jockey,” he said. “For me, darts is a mental outlet – I get to go out and play darts and not take it so seriously. I got into darts three years ago because of Luke in the World Championship.”
Former British Army captain Jasper Scarrott, 54, said: “I’m the current British Army darts champion, and I’ve still got a bit left in me. My dad was the inspiration behind me playing darts, and he sadly passed away a week before I hit a nine-darter, so I’m sure he was looking down on me.”
Format and broadcast details
Littler will have to win 24 successive legs to survive, with the game ending if any amateur checks out before him. The live show in Manchester is hosted by Gary Lineker and Richard Osman next Friday.
