Luke Littler: Showing how to take new-found fame in one's stride

At Alexandra Palace - affectionately known as Ally Pally - a star was born. It isn't often a darts final attracts back page headlines, let alone dominate front pages as well. But thanks to the overnight success of Luke Littler, a 16-year-old nicknamed 'The Nuke', the sport has taken centre stage in ways it hasn't seen, arguably for decades.

On Wednesday 3rd January 2024, Littler became a finalist at the PDC World Darts Championship, getting there by overcoming challenges from giants in the game, including his hero, Raymond van Barneveld, who is not only 40 years his senior, but the Dutchman also won the same world championship a fortnight before the teenager was born. Littler ended the tournament being rewarded with a place in this year's Premier League.

His story is nothing short of remarkable, and naturally, papers and broadcasters are obsessed. They love a good fairy tale and will do anything to get a scoop about the teen prodigy from Runcorn, a relatively small Cheshire town almost a stone's throw away from Liverpool. And I must say, he's taking it all in his stride, as if he's been doing interviews for years.

Sadly, like anyone in the public eye as intensely as Littler is going through at present, he has attracted some very questionable coverage. I rolled my eyes when I read the story about the age gap between him and his girlfriend, as if it matters - spoiler alert, it's just five years. And I felt sorry for him when he issued a public apology for posing for a photograph with a copy of The Sun newspaper, the title is boycotted in Liverpool.

You'd think that the media frenzy of this scale would overwhelm someone who is about to turn 17 and never experienced this sort of thing before now. But Littler is handling it like a champ. He has had to learn quickly, and perhaps taken a leaf out of books from the likes of Tiger Woods, Emma Raducanu, Ronnie O'Sullivan and David Beckham who were also sporting prodigies at his age or similar. It isn't as easy as it looks, as snooker champion O'Sullivan candidly revealed to Amol Rajan recently.

Littler will no doubt experience highs and lows in his relationship with the media, and as the current storm passes, he will find time to switch off and reflect on the rollercoaster of emotions he's gone through, and also appreciate the impact he's had on darts. In two short weeks, he told the world that the sport is more than just an "old man's game". What he's doing for young people is likened to what Fallon Sherrock has been doing for women in the sport over the past three years.

It is so easy for a superstar to hide behind countless number of advisers, and being pulled from pillar to post. But, for now, Littler has been allowed freedom to be 'him' and he's getting plaudits for his openness and authenticity. Here are some of my tips for him to keeping his image alive and be on a path he's satisfied with:

1. Continue being his authentic-self: Sports stars find it more difficult than other 'stars' to come across as natural in front of camera, talking to journalists. They have to appear as focused, straight faced and had to make sure they revised every word of that lengthy briefing their PR person gave them just minutes before. Littler is finding the right balance between coming across as relaxed while also produce fantastic results. He's showing a key lesson to other sports stars - be yourself at all times, the audience will relate and you may even do better on your chosen arena.
2. Keeping mental and physical health in shape: With the amount of publicity he's been getting at late, even as the dust settles, it is likely that Littler will have paparazzi breathing down his neck and journalists analysing his every move, often at times he least expects. Him celebrating each win by eating kebabs may seem sweet now, but a reminder of this every time could eventually leave a bitter taste in his mouth. If he can find space to breathe, his wellbeing will improve in ways he may not even think at this point.
3. Welcoming welcomed and unwelcomed coverage: Nobody gets desired coverage 100% of the time - journalists, photographers and social media users will always want to ruffle feathers of household names in order to get scoops and clicks. Reacting in an 'off' way could harm the reputation he is keen to build for himself. It is important he laughs these off from now and maintains a trustworthy support network to be beside him when needed.
4. Allow for breathing space: Littler will not get this level of coverage every day for the rest of his life. There are going to be times, particularly when there are no darts tournaments, when he may not get coverage for days or weeks. He will want to embrace these moments and have the right mind-set when he is seeking to do an interview at those quieter occasions.
5. Enjoy being a superstar: So far, Littler has been handling stardom with great maturity. If he continues that enthusiasm, his popularity will only grow and while that may sound overwhelming, it is easier to welcome it with open arms than allow negativity soak up all the energy required to function.