Eloise Milburn, the girlfriend of teenage darts superstar Luke Littler, has issued a defiant response to cruel online trolls who targeted her appearance following his historic run to the World Darts Championship final.
Backlash After Littler's Final Defeat
The 17-year-old darts prodigy, Luke 'The Nuke' Littler, captured the nation's heart during his incredible debut at the Alexandra Palace tournament over the Christmas period. His fairytale run ended in a nail-biting 7-4 defeat to world number one Luke Humphries in the final on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024.
While Littler, from Warrington, earned widespread praise and a life-changing £200,000 in prize money, his 21-year-old girlfriend Eloise faced a barrage of nasty comments on social media. Trolls cruelly mocked her red hair, with some using the derogatory term 'ginger' in their abuse.
Eloise Milburn's Fiery Clapback
Eloise, who has been dating Littler since meeting at a darts event in 2023, did not suffer the insults in silence. She took to her own social media platform, Snapchat, to hit back at the keyboard warriors.
In a powerful and direct post, she wrote: "People calling me ginger like it's an insult... I love my ginger hair." This simple but strong statement served as a clear message that she would not be shamed for her natural appearance.
The couple's relationship has been in the spotlight since they went public in late 2023. Eloise, a darts enthusiast herself, has been a constant and supportive presence in the player's box during Littler's matches, sharing in both his thrilling victories and the final disappointment.
Support from the Darts Community and Beyond
The incident has sparked a conversation about the ugly side of fame and the unwarranted abuse often directed at the partners of sports stars. Many fans and commentators have rallied behind Eloise, praising her for standing up to the bullies.
Luke Littler's own focus has quickly shifted back to his burgeoning career. Despite the final loss, his performance has cemented his status as a future world champion. He is now preparing for his upcoming debut in the Premier League Darts, which kicks off in Cardiff on February 1st, 2024.
The young athlete has shown remarkable maturity, stating he is already over the defeat and is hungry for more success on the oche. The support of his girlfriend, Eloise, will undoubtedly continue to be a key part of his journey as he navigates his sudden rise to global sporting fame.
