Luke Littler is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK (Image: Getty)
Luke Littler spits bars just as well as he hits double 10. That is according to former star Micah Richards, who has been working with the youngest winner as part of the 19th season of A League of Their Own.
Littler, 17, has quickly become one of the most famous sportsmen in the country, having become the PDC’s world no.2 at an age where he is not The Prince of the Palace to add the World Championship to a stacked trophy cabinet that already the World Series and many more awards besides.
Richards, 36, is one of the few people who has been lucky enough to work with Littler away from the camera, having spent time with him filming for the show. It was during their time together the former right-back star was introduced to Littler’s other talent – rapping.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In an exclusive interview with Express Sport, Richards said: “You know what, you sort of forget that he is that age. He is quite shy, I think that’s his personality. But he is still very young. Behind the scenes, he was very entertaining. He was even doing a little bit of rapping as well. Yes, he was doing a little bit of rapping.
“I always think back to what I was like at that age. I was always very confident and outgoing, but he just seems very chilled, like nothing phases him at all. When he goes and wins the World Darts Championship, you are just like, ‘How is he managing this to keep this composure? When he goes down a leg, he fires in a 140 or a 180 and you are just like, ‘How is he doing this?’”
Littler was certainly a hit amongst the A League of Their Own panel in the time he was there. However, Richards was a fan of the Nuke before he stepped into the studio, having inspired the ex-England international to watch darts.
Order your souvenir 48-page publication celebrating Luke Littler’s historic World Championship win now. Buy now on !
Littler entertained the audience as well as the panel members (Image: A League of Their Own)
But while Richards admitted he loved having the teenager on the show, he also believes the media needs to remember his young age and not expose him to too much of the media glare. Richards added: “What we do in the media we build people up don’t we?
“We speak about Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. Of course he [Littler] is going to say ‘I want to beat that’ because he is so young, but he is still only 17. I think we need to take a little bit of care with him.
“Obviously, we need to celebrate what he is doing, because it is a massive achievement. But at the same time, we need to take care of him. When you’ve got an incredible talent like that, you want them to go on and fulfil their total potential. I think he can, but he still has to do it.”
Season 19 of A League of Their Own is on Sky Max and Sky Showcase every Thursday from 9pm