Darts champion Luke Littler has hired a celebrity bodyguard who protected Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch to protect him from excitable fans.
Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler made history when he became the sport’s youngest ever champion at the age of just 17 at Alexandra Palace.
Since then, he began his journey as a world champion by securing a hard-earned victory at the Bahrain Masters on Thursday. However, his winning streak was short-lived as he was defeated by Gerwyn Prince the following day.
However, for the teenage sensation it appears darts is not the only pressing issue on his mind.
As reported by the Mirror, Littler’s management team has enlisted the help of Peter Purkins to support and guide him. A source mentioned, ‘Luke is now a recognizable figure nationwide and has gained a substantial number of new fans.’
‘Sometimes people can be a little overzealous when they see him, so it’s sensible to have someone alongside him who can step in to help if needed.’
Purkins is said to have worked on security teams at professional darts events in the UK and Europe.
He has also provided his services at football matches alongside players-turned-pundits such as Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch.
Luke Littler pictured leaving Alexandra Palace following his historic win, with security guard Peter Purkins, pictured left
Purkins, left, has worked for top sporting names such as Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch
The bodyguard has also protected former footballer and sports pundit Peter Crouch (pictured)
On Thursday, Littler was surprised in Bahrain by darts stars and his family with a birthday cake and celebrations the week before he turns 18.
This young prodigy has taken the darts world by storm, making it to the final of the World Darts Championship in his debut year at the age of 16. His exceptional skills and remarkable performance throughout the year led to his crowning as the world champion.
As shared on social media by Littler’s dad, Anthony, some of his fellow stars seemed to surprise him on a night out in the country prior to the tournament kicking off, with Littler looking shocked as a birthday cake came out to music.
He was also seen behind Thierry Henry on December 28, 2023 at the Emirates Stadium
The management team behind Luke Littler are ensuring he has enough protection with his meteoric rise to fame
The likes of Bunting and Nathan Aspinall were spotted in attendance, as well as Littler’s mum, Lisa, with someone dressed in a bull costume delivering the cake, which read ‘Happy Birthday Luke’ and had a picture of him lifting the World Championship on.
Anthony wrote: ‘Class night last night’ on Instagram, accompanied by a cake emoji, and tagged the Buffalo Wings & Rings restaurant in Adliya Manama, Bahrain.
Littler was seen on his phone at the start of the video as traditional happy birthday music started playing and staff began to play instruments.
The teenager caught the eye of the camera, soon catching onto what was heading his way.
Littler poses for a photo with the Sid Waddell Trophy after victory over Michael van Gerwen
The ‘Nuke’ made history when he became the sport’s youngest ever champion at the age of just 17 at Alexandra Palace
Littler poses wirth the trophy again in front of the crowds at the final of the championship
Littler is seen with Purkins in attendance prior to the Misfits Boxing 30 Live fight card
Littler averaged over 105 but was still unable to keep pace with Price who beat him on Friday
The giant bull then emerged, carrying the cake to the table as Littler moved his charger out the way and those in attendance clapped along to the music.
Littler then began to laugh and appeared to smile for the video, with the likes of Aspinall and Rob Cross – who was seen in conversation with Lisa – chipping in.
There appeared to be alcohol on the table, but Littler took a sip of coke before blowing out the three candles on the cake with 50 Cent’s ‘In Da Club’ playing in the background.
Those in attendance cheered, and a couple of the party appeared to call for him to drink a jagerbomb, with Littler shouting: ‘No, no, no!’. Littler turns 18 on January 21.
