To shield himself from agitated fans, darts champion Luke Littler has enlisted the services of a famous bodyguard, Peter Purkins who has shielded Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch
At Alexandra Palace, Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler made history by becoming the sport’s youngest champion ever, at the age of just 17.
After that, he began his career as a world champion by defeating Gerwyn Prince the next day after a fierce victory in the Bahrain Masters on Thursday. But it seems that the adolescent phenomenon is thinking about more than just darts.
Who is Peter Purkins, new bodyguard of Luke Littler as darts player hires celebrity security
Luke Littler is at Old Trafford! 📍🏟️ pic.twitter.com/OzKMccctFy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
Littler’s management has employed Peter Purkins to protect him, with a source saying: ‘Luke is now one of the most recognisable faces in the country and has a lot 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.’
Tattooed tough guy, celebrity bodyguard Peter Purkins reportedly served on security teams at European and UK professional darts tournaments. In addition, he has served at football games with players-turned-pundits like Peter Crouch and Thierry Henry and is well versed with guarding sporting personalities.
The week before Littler’s 18th birthday, his family and darts players in Bahrain surprised him on Thursday with a birthday cake and festivities.
Luke Littler explains what it's like being at Old Trafford as a world champion at 17 years of age 🎬 pic.twitter.com/fzT8zH3jvz
— 曼联球迷 (@_Utdbaki) January 19, 2025
The adolescent phenomenon has dominated the sport; last year, at the age of 16, he made it to the World Darts Championship final before having a breakthrough year that ended with him becoming the crowded world champion.
Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, Littler’s mother Lisa, and someone wearing a bull costume were seen there, delivering the cake that said ‘Happy Birthday Luke’ and featured a photo of him lifting the World Championship.
Luke Littler career
Currently rated second in the world, Luke Littler is an English professional darts player who participates in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) competitions. At 17 years and 347 days old, he became the youngest darts world champion in history when he won the 2025 World Championship, making him the current PDC World Champion.
Littler is the current Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals champion with 11 senior PDC titles. In addition, he has won the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship and two World Series of Darts titles.