Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton has lifted the lid on Luke Littler's character away from the cameras, describing the teenage darts sensation as a 'chilled-out' individual, contrary to his on-stage persona.
Speaking ahead of the 18-year-old's semi-final clash at the PDC World Darts Championship, Paton said Littler is normally calm and composed behind the scenes. This comes after the world number one unleashed a furious rant at the Ally Pally crowd following his last-16 victory over Rob Cross, telling spectators they were 'paying for his prize money'.
Littler later admitted he 'lost his head' during the outburst, but Paton insists such behaviour is out of character. 'It's like speaking to a 17-year-old. He's very chilled out,' she told the Mirror. '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.'
The presenter also praised Littler's grace under pressure, particularly when form has dipped. 'Even then, he's spoken very eloquently,' Paton noted. 'I think he's maybe got a bit more comfortable with things now. In the last few months, he's probably been himself more.'
Littler, who has dropped only two sets en route to the semi-finals, faces Ryan Searle on Friday night for a place in Saturday's final.
