Luke Littler ‘hires celeb bodyguard’ who worked for two Premier League icons to protect him from ‘overzealous’ fans

LUKE Littler has hired a celebrity bodyguard who has previously worked for Premier League legends Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch.

The darts hotshot, 17, nicknamed “the Nuke”, is the sport’s youngest ever champion following his win over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace this month.

PALuke Littler in the crowd at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, on Saturday alongside bodyguard Peter Purkins[/caption]

PAPurkins has previously been on security teams for darts events in the UK and Europe[/caption]

GettyLuke Littler became darts’ youngest ever champion this month[/caption]

And with his fame rising, Littler’s management has employed Peter Purkins to protect him from “overzealous” fans, reports the Mirror.

A source told the newspaper: “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.”

Purkins has reportedly worked on security teams at darts events in the UK and Europe, and also provided services for football pundits.

DEFEAT

It comes after Littler was dumped out of the Bahrain Darts Masters on Friday by former world champion Gerwyn Price.

Reacting to the defeat on social media, he wrote: “Not my night but great game @gerwynpriceiceman180.

“Heading home for a few days then looking forward to the Dutch Darts Masters.”

Meanwhile, he’s set to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy on Sunday in front of Manchester United fans on the Old Trafford pitch.

The teenager will be guest of honour for the Premier League clash with Brighton.

The Warrington ace, a long-term Man Utd fan, will show off the silverware, which he won on January 3 by beating van Gerwen in the Ally Pally final, to the 75,000-strong crowd at half-time.

It has been moved from pre-game to avoid a clash with the emotional tributes to former United and Scotland striker Denis Law, who died on Friday aged 84.

Littler is not set to see Ruben Amorim’s players before the game against the Seagulls nor give any team talks but he is set to meet with them post-match.

BIRTHDAY

On Tuesday, he will turn 18 and then a few days later, he will travel to Den Bosch in Holland for the two-day Dutch Darts Masters.

Littler was this week gifted an early birthday cake by a GIANT COW during a meal with his loved ones in Bahrain.

And Butlin’s – who host several PDC darts events each year – have also given The Nuke an early birthday gift.

The holiday resort chain has given the 17-year-old a special Black Card Pass to their famous Big Weekenders.

Butlins bigwig Mike Godolphin said: “We’re proud to host some of the biggest names in darts twice a year in Minehead and currently there’s no one bigger than Luke Littler.

“Every time Luke has visited us at Butlin’s he’s always been playing, so for his 18th this month we’re delighted to offer the reigning World Champion a birthday present to remember.”