Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton has offered a revealing glimpse into the real personality of darts sensation Luke Littler, contrasting his recent on-stage outburst with his typically calm demeanour away from the cameras.
The On-Stage Flashpoint at Ally Pally
The reigning PDC world champion and current world number one has captivated audiences at this year's World Darts Championship with his stunning precision, conceding a mere two sets en route to his semi-final clash. However, the 18-year-old's temperament came under intense scrutiny following his last-16 victory over former champion Rob Cross.
During that high-pressure match at Alexandra Palace, sections of the north London crowd rallied behind the underdog Cross, directing jeers towards Littler as he approached the oche. The unexpected hostility appeared to rattle 'The Nuke'.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, a visibly frustrated Littler turned to the spectators and declared: "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!" He later admitted backstage that he had "lost his head" during the furious rant.
Paton's Insider Perspective on the Real Littler
Emma Paton, the popular host of the evening sessions at the Worlds, has moved to shed light on the teenager's true character, insisting such behaviour is highly uncharacteristic. Speaking to the Mirror ahead of his 18th birthday, Paton painted a picture of a far more composed individual behind the scenes.
"It's like speaking to a 17-year-old. He's very chilled out," Paton revealed. "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."
The 31-year-old presenter praised Littler's ability to handle the immense pressure of sudden fame. "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."
Grace Under Pressure: Handling Success and Setbacks
Paton also highlighted Littler's maturity in dealing with periods where his form has dipped, long before his current dominant run. She pointed to his eloquent communication even during challenging times.
"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 noted. "Coming into the Grand Slam [which he won 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... Even then, he's spoken very eloquently."
She believes the Warrington-born star has grown increasingly comfortable in the public eye. "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."
Littler's focus now shifts to his crucial semi-final showdown against Ryan 'Heavy Metal' Searle tonight, where a victory would secure his place in Saturday's coveted final.
