‘Look at him crying’ – Littler’s rise in his own words

Rewind 18 months and Luke Littler was unknown to those outside the daring world.

But on Thursday he could win his second Premier League title in as many years, just five months after becoming world champion.

“A memory that will live on in my heart forever,” the title of my debut World Championship final as a “16-year-old boy”

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During the 2024 World Darts Championship in December 2023 and January 2024, Littler gained a wider audience, both for and against darts.

At 16 years and 347 days, he defeated former world champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross to become the youngest ever finalist. He lost the final 7-4 to world number one Luke Humphries.

“My first World Championships as a boy, age 16, ever. Making it to the final aged 16 was a fantastic accomplishment overall. It’s one of the memories that will live with me forever.

With millions of people watching, I was ready to enter the biggest stage of them all.

“I didn’t have many expectations; I just tried to win that first game on my debut,” he said, “and it was pretty good.”

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries embrace after the 2024 World Darts Championship final which the latter won Getty Images

“Luke Humphries won the title of world champion.” We had a cracking final – I did miss double two to go 5-2 up which would have been a massive advantage.

I don’t recall much, but I do recall saying to him, “Go over to your family, go and celebrate.”

“That year, I was thrilled to win my first game at the World Championships.” To get to the final was a massive boost, it got me up the rankings and I was invited to the Premier League.

“There were doubts, but I came out on top,” winning the 2024 Premier League.

Luke Littler celebrates beating Luke Humphries to win the 2024 Premier League Darts Getty Images
Littler didn’t have to wait long to win his first major PDC title though, with victory in the Premier League in May 2024. The top four players in the world are represented by the Premier League, along with four invitational players, and Littler came away with a spot after winning the World Cup.

He became the youngest player to have won a significant PDC tournament after defeating Humphries 11–7 in the final of the play-offs at London’s O2 Arena. He then won four of his sixteen regular league nights.

He even hit a nine-darter – the minimum number of darts needed to complete a leg – in the final.

This photo is excellent, I must say! winning the Premier League with a double 20. That was a year ago last week and now we’re back to do it all again.

“To win it on debut (17 at the time) and to defeat Luke was a bit of recompense from the World Championships,” said the veteran. “It was a very long 16-week format.

My first significant title was a respectable one.

Luke Littler celebrates with his parents after winning the 2024 Premier League Darts PA Media

After that, my mom and dad watched it in a huge way. Although there were some doubts about my readiness to play in the Premier League, I prevailed. To share it with my mum and dad was even better.

‘ The link-up everyone wanted to see ‘ – meeting Norris, Fergie and Pitbull

Lando Norris of McLaren talks with Luke Littler as they prepare for a Hot Lap during previews ahead of the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Getty Images
Littler’s fame and stardom extend beyond just darts fans. Before the British Grand Prix in 2024, he and Lando Norris conducted a Hot Lap around Silverstone with Lando Norris during his first World Championship campaign and were invited into Tottenham midfielder James Maddison’s box.

He is an avid Manchester United fan and has visited their training ground to play darts against the players, while he has attended matches as a guest, meeting Sir Alex Ferguson and Bruno Fernandes, and he paraded his World Championship trophy earlier this year.

“A new good one. Before the Hot Lap at Silverstone, Lando Norris assisted me by putting on a fast McLaren and driving me around in a very fast car!

” I never thought I would be in a car with one of the best F1 drivers there is at the minute but he took me round in the car, I played some darts with him as well – just a really good experience.

“Then, on my way to the Spurs game last year, I saw Bruno [Fernandes] and we had to take a selfie with him.

He is one of my favorites players, he says. He’s not missed a game through injury yet, provides goals and assists and he’s definitely helped us the past few seasons. He’s prevented us from falling behind this year!

“I thank Man Utd for the opportunity,” Carrington and the United squad last year, and meeting Sir Alex Ferguson, are both incredible experiences.

A general view outside the stadium with renaming in honour of Luke Littler ahead of the Super League match between Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons at Luke Littler Stadium Getty Images
He has met singer Pitbull in Dublin, and the teenager has used his song Greenlight as his walk-out song throughout his career. Super League’s Warrington Wolves, his hometown team, changed the name of their home ground after winning the World Championship.

The Luke Littler Stadium, . This is another one that is near the top – having Warrington Wolves ‘ stadium named after me. Overall, a good night, and I’m pleased that we won that game!

“It was a tremendous honor. It was good to go and see us win.

Then, I believe, this is the link-up everyone requested, and I think that’s it! But for myself, as a fan, I was there as a fan when I went to one of Pitbull’s songs at WrestleMania 33. It was good to see him and it was a great show in Dublin.

Being the youngest PDC World Darts Champion, “It meant everything”

England's Luke Littler reacts after his win over Netherlands' Michael van Gerwen in the PDC World Darts Championship final, at Alexandra Palace in London Getty Images
Luke Littler celebrates after winning the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship final against Michael van Gerwen with the Sid Waddell Trophy in shotReuters
With a 7-3 victory over Dutchman and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, Littler defeated Dutchman 7-3 to become the 2025 world champion. It made Littler the youngest world darts champion, aged 17 years and 347 days. Van Gerwen’s record, which he set at age 24, was broken.

Littler moved past the prize money of £1, 000,000 and rose to a career high second place, behind Humphries.

“Look at him crying there! Yes, it’s undoubtedly one of my career’s highlights so far. winning the Sid Waddell Trophy and defeating Michael van Gerwen to become the world’s champion.

” You could see there that I still couldn’t believe it.

Even though I was ranked two or three in the world when I first faced Ryan Meikle, my first game was difficult, even then.

It meant everything when I won the trophy and defeated a very talented Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Making history as they reach the Premier League play-offs and engaging with the crowd, “Cry More,”

Luke Littler gestures to the Leeds crowd that they are crying during the 2025 Premier League Darts Getty Images

In the 16-week league phase, Littler’s defense of his Premier League crown went fairly smoothly.

He broke the record for nightly wins, which was four, by winning six events. Additionally, he added five more points than the previous record, which was 45.

On Thursday night, he will face Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, while Humphries will face Nathan Aspinall, who is also a 2021 world champion.

Littler will remain second in the world regardless of how he performs during finals night.

I hit my double to make it 4-4 in the Premier League this year in Leeds, and I basically yelled “cry more” to the crowd!

It’s only for myself, I say. Being a sportsman, doing stuff like this and just being myself, letting my emotions out – especially the Leeds crowd.

Luke Littler gestures to the Liverpool crowd to calm down during the 2025 Premier League Darts Getty Images

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Shopping writer’s top picks from Roman’s new boho summer collection

With this discount code, you can purchase flattering dresses and vibrant jumpsuits from Roman’s new collection for less.

Roman’s 2025 summer collection is here and our shopping writer has dived into the new pieces(Image: Roman)

Roman has released its newest summer collection, which features a variety of wearable accessories in the vein of “bohemian romance” and “bright escapes.” Gorgeous dresses, vibrant jumpsuits, and comfortable pants are included in the collection, which can be worn on vacation, at festivals, and while attending special events like weddings.

The Effortless Summer 2025 Range features floral, patchwork, and boho patterns, giving it a “fresh, modern twist to seasonal staples.” The clothing features on-trend silhouettes and is made of breathable materials like linen and cotton.

Roman has discontinued a number of newest, flattering styles in regular, petite, and curve fits. Customers can save 10% off their order for a limited time by using the special discount code NEW at the checkout.

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I enjoy reviewing Roman’s clothing frequently, so I was eager to pick my favorite items from the new Effortless Summer 2025 Collection. The multi-color, multi-functional Multi Landscape Print Tie Waist Shirt Dress, which ships in sizes 10 and 20, is the first item to be included.

The timeless knee-length shirt dress is a holiday essential because it features stunning beach scenery, including palm trees and shells. For dining on a sunny terrace, it can be paired with chunky sandals or wedges with flip-flops as a beach cover-up.

A model sitting on a chair wearing the Multi Landscape Print Tie Waist Shirt Dress
The Multi Landscape Print Tie Waist Shirt Dress could be great for summer holidays(Image: Roman)

The shirt dress has handy side pockets, cinch-in-the-waist straps, and three-quarter-length sleeves that can be shortened to the waist. Similar to the Bright Palm Graphic Print Tie Waist Shirt Dress from Next is available in sizes six to 26 in both regular and tall sizes, unlike the Roman options, which are only offered in regular.

Roman’s new Black Floral Print Border Maxi Dress, which has a stunning pattern and contrast trims, may appeal to shoppers who prefer a longer piece of clothing. The frock has flattering V-necklines, three-quarter length sleeves, and a smock-like silhouette that floats beautifully into the frock.

The dress costs less than £40.50 with the discount code and is available in sizes 10 to 20. The maxi has a new rating of 4.7 out of 5 already, despite having a new model.

A model wearing the Black Floral Print Border Maxi Dress with sandals
The Black Floral Print Border Maxi Dress (Image: Roman)

“Fabulous dress,” one delighted customer said. The dress’s tiers float beautifully thanks to lightweight cotton. The sleeves are a lovely bell shape with a perfect length, and the bodice is perfectly sized for a flattering, slim silhouette. Talking of length, it looks fantastic and is really maxi on me at 5’2″. It’s so well made, with a double bound neckline, sleeves, and hem, and is a red pattern. At a special family gathering, I’ll float around in this and feel great.

However, it’s important to point out that taller people may not be able to get the desired maximum length because the Black Floral Print Border Maxi Dress is only available in a regular fit. Because the dress is made entirely of cotton, washing it with care is also necessary.

Next is offering a 68-inch Love & Roses Monochrome Floral Midaxi Shirt Dress in eight to twenty-eight sizes. A similar-looking tiered skirt and three-quarter-length sleeves are present in this V-neck frock.

When visiting the beach or having brunch with friends, jumpsuits are the ideal wear to have on and go. With its stunning statement pattern, Roman’s Green Zig Zag Print Full Length Jumpsuit is certain to draw a lot of compliments.

A model wearing the Green Zig Zag Print Full Length Jumpsuit with sandals
The Green Zig Zag Print Full Length Jumpsuit has a tie (Image: Roman)

When the discount code is applied, the sleeveless jumpsuit will retail for £37.80 and features full-length, wide-leg trousers. The belted waist adds definition, and the bodice has a stylish stand collar and buttons on the bodice.

For a daytime occasion, we think the Green Zig Zag Print Full Length Jumpsuit would look great when worn with flip-flops or chunky sandals, or to pair it with wedges for an evening look. Add a denim jacket for a warm yet fashionable ensemble on colder days.

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New Look’s Yumi Green Floral Print Wide Leg Jumpsuit has a similar pattern but with tie strap fastenings instead. Priced at £55, it comes in sizes eight to 16 and has a square neckline and an elasticated shirred bodice.

Letitia Wright’s directorial debut will show the devastating toll of knife crime

In response to the knife crime crisis in London and her own experiences and loss, Letitia Wright’s directorial debut is a “love letter” to young Black men.

Wright wrote, directed and produced the film which will premiere on May 31, 2025(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Emmy-nominated actress Letitia Wright is set to make her directorial debut with Highway to the Moon, a new coming-of-age fantasy drama. Wright was inspired to create the short film in response to the devastating impact of knife crime in London and has called the project a “love letter to young Black men all over the world”.

Wright wrote, directed and produced the short film which was inspired by the killing of her friend’s brother and the death of model Harry Uzoka. Actors Kenyah Sandy and Lamar Waves star in the fantasy film, which follows the experiences of young Black men after their lives are tragically cut short.

A group of other young men guide Micah, a young man who travels through the liminal space between life and death. Sandy portrays the character. Together, the men learn to accept empathy and self-worth as they confront what it means to be a Black boy in contemporary society.

Letitia Wright attends the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal
Wright has said that she wants to avoid stereotypes about knife crime with her new film(Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Ro)

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According to Wright, Highway to the Moon steers clear of stereotypes and acknowledges the individual struggles and strengths of young Black men in terms of emotional, social, and mental health.

She stated, “The movie is my way of exploring joy, love, and unity, and I want to show these boys in a way that doesn’t involve stereotypes, but instead explores their emotions, complexities, hopes, dreams, disappointments, and fears, and allows them to see themselves as worthy, with lives that have meaning. ”

The South London Film Festival will hold its world premiere on May 31 for the film. For her, Wright said that the setting for the movie’s premiere was particularly significant. She explained that holding the film at a festival that supports emerging filmmakers in our area was crucial. The audience I’m trying to reach with this movie, “always aligns with the young people I’m trying to reach,” I said. ”

In response to those who might criticise her for highlighting knife violence, Wright told The Guardian: “There is not a single knife that you see in this film. It’s just the actions of it. It’s just the aftermath.” She also noted that in many stabbing cases, gangs were not involved at all.

Through WePresent, WeTransfer’s arts platform, the short film was commissioned. Alex Mattinson and Damian Bradfield work for WeTransfer as executive producers, and Holly Fraser, VP of content, is one of them.

Image of Letitia from Black Panther
The Black Panther actress will also be making her National Theatre debut in 2026(Image: Marvel Studios 2018)

As reported by Variety, Fraser shared: “Being able to commission important stories and work with artists that are driven to use creativity as a tool for progress has always been the cornerstone of WePresent’s mission as a platform.

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Cambodia PM urges calm after border clash with Thailand leaves soldier dead

A soldier was killed in a brief clash with troops from neighboring Thailand in a disputed area along the Thai-Cambodia border, prompting the country’s leader to maintain calm.

Prime Minister Hun Manet reassured the nation that he did not want a conflict between Cambodian and Thai forces in a written statement on Thursday that people should not “panic over unverified material being circulated.”

“I hope that the upcoming meeting between the Cambodian and Thai army commanders will have beneficial outcomes in order to maintain stability and effective military communication between the two countries, as we have done in the past,” said Hun Manet, who is currently visiting Tokyo.

He continued, “Even though I am in Japan, my full responsibilities as prime minister are still in the command system and hierarchy for major military operations, such as troop movements.”

In a tense border region between Thailand’s Preah Vihear province and Cambodia’s Ubon Ratchathani province, the country’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday that one of its soldiers was killed in a brief firefight with Thai troops.

The ministry claimed that Thai soldiers opened fire on a Cambodian military post that had been in the conflict’s border zone first.

As tensions increase with Thailand [Kith Serey/EPA] Cambodian soldiers ride on a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 28, 2025.

Cambodian forces in the area had opened fire first, according to Thailand’s minister of defense Phumtham Wechayachai, adding that they had previously dug a trench there to bolster Cambodia’s claim over the disputed territory, according to local media reports.

“To defend our country and defend Thailand’s sovereignty, the return fire was advised,” I’ve been informed. I’ve advised caution. Both sides continue to face off, the minister said, according to Thailand’s The Nation newspaper, despite the ceasefire.

Additionally, The Nation reported that Hun Manet, the country’s prime minister, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, her counterpart, were negotiating to lower the stakes.

The Thai prime minister’s statement read, “We don’t want this to escalate.”

Along their shared border, Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of fighting, including armed clashes that broke out in 2008 close to Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site that year. In 2011, fighting also broke out along the border.

According to the Associated Press news agency, Cambodian troops and their families entered a historic border temple in February, where they sang the country’s national anthem, leading to a brief dispute with Thai troops.

How son of Man City cult hero is ‘creating his own name’

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He was given the name “Manchester City” in honor of a legend of the club.

Erling Haaland, whose father also played for City, and he both played for Norway youth teams.

However, Colin Rosler had to choose a different path in order to pursue his career while Haaland achieved stardom.

He tells BBC Sport, “I’ve tried to make my own name since I was a young child.” “I’ve made an effort to be my own and not rely on my father,” he said.

The tough-tackling centre-back, age 25, is finally emerging from the shadows and establishing himself.

Man City’s signing was a “dream come true.”

Uwe Rosler, a hard-working striker, played for East Germany before becoming a favorite of the city’s fans between 1994 and 1998.

Given Rosler’s association with the club, he named his sons Colin Bell and Tony Book, who were later the birth of his two sons.

Before his father played and managed in Norway, Colin Rosler was born in Berlin in 2000. The boys frequently met their namesakes at Etihad Stadium after the family relocated to England in 2010.

Colin Rosler calls it an honor to be given City’s honor to honor such a legend.

“I’d always laugh when I was with Colin and my brother when I was with Tony Book, and it was always fun to see them and learn more about the club’s history.”

Colin Rosler playing for Manchester City against Liverpool's Curtis Jones in a PL2 game in 2018Images courtesy of Getty

Colin and his father play on the opposite end of the pitch, but the City coaches soon noticed a striking connection.

I was already an aggressive defender when I was just ten years old, Colin says. I merely desired to smash people.

We always appear the same on the field, and my mother always says that I have a similar temperament to him.

And despite Colin’s advancement through the City and Norway age groups, Uwe was aware that his son’s chances of making the first team, or any other academy graduate, were very slim.

He told BBC Sport in 2013 that he was uncertain whether all of them knew it, but my one does.

“You get a very good football education from City, and you can make a living playing football elsewhere,” says the statement.

I wanted to “push myself, see what I’m made of,” he said.

Colin felt prepared to travel alone because he was born in Germany and raised in England and Norway before deciding to pursue a career abroad. He signed for Dutch side NAC Breda in August 2019.

He says, “Leaving City wasn’t the easiest choice, but it was one I felt I had to make.” I was expecting a culture shock and a new challenge, but I’m good at adapting quickly and becoming knowledgeable.

“And I learned a lot in Holland, living alone, playing for the first team, and not speaking the language.

You must enter that place, take control, and act like a man. I quickly realized that winning is everything.

Prior to joining Mjallby, a Swedish club that is “not as well-known and sort of in the middle of nowhere,” he spent the 2022 season with Lillestrom, a Norwegian side.

According to Colin, “That was probably the best choice I ever made.” Because I could just concentrate on football, it came at the right moment in my career.

Haaland participates in the title win for “chaotic.”

Erling Haaland and his father Alf-Inge watch Malmo clinch the Swedish title in October 2024Images courtesy of Getty

Malmo, arguably the biggest club in Scandinavia, recently experienced a mid-season slump with the signing of Rosler in August.

Erik Botheim, a Malmo striker who played for Norway’s youth teams alongside him and Erling Haaland, made the reunion a reality.

In 2015, Rosler and Haaland played for Norway’s Under-15s, sharing a unique trait.

We immediately discussed the fact that both of our fathers played there and that we are both Blues.

We both said it was our dream to play for City, I recall. It’s amazing to see how well he’s done there, despite the fact that he’s obviously continued to do that. He has turned into a total monster.

Since Botheim and Haaland still have close friendships, Haaland chose to watch Malmo fight back from Gothenburg in a 2-1 victory over Botheim when Malmo had a chance to win the Swedish title in October.

He almost attracted more attention than our league victory, he said! Rosler asserts.

It was interesting to see that he made the effort to come here and show his support because he has a busy schedule.

Everyone has a different path, according to the saying, “There is no right way.”

Team photo of Norway's Under-17s, featuring Colin Rosler and Erling Haaland, before they play England in May 2017Norwegian Football Federation

Nine years after making their U15s debut together, Rosler replaced him with Haaland when he left for Norway in November.

According to Rosler, “I actually thought about that, that it would be a nice picture.”

We’ve known each other for a very long, and I did, yes, I did his senior debut, which is very intriguing in football.

There is no correct way to go. Everyone follows a different path. In my brief career, I have faced many challenges, but also many incredible experiences.

It’s something I’ve worked so hard for and for my family to achieve, and winning the league made me proud.

As Malmo face Hacken in the Swedish Cup final on Thursday (14:00 BST), Rosler will continue to be a regular player and could win another trophy.

He will also be included in Norway’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Estonia next week.

Rosler is “extremely grateful” for his father’s guidance as he searches for his own path, despite having already done so.

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Brad Pitt speaks out for first time after eight-year divorce from Angelina Jolie

After settling the dispute earlier this year with an agreement, Brad Pitt has now admitted to his long-running divorce from Angelina Jolie.

Brad Pitt speaks out for first time on eight-year divorce from Angelina Jolie(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Brad Pitt has finally broken his silence on the end of his tumultuous divorce saga with Angelina Jolie. The Hollywood actor, 61, tied the knot with Angelina, now 49, in 2014 after a whirlwind romance that began on the set of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ back in 2005. The pair parted ways in 2016, sparking a high-profile split that saw Angelina file for divorce in the same year, leading to a series of bitter disputes over custody and business interests, some of which remain unresolved.

The “F1” actor downplayed the event when discussing the conclusion of his divorce proceedings, saying, “No, I don’t think it was that important.” Just something being realized. Legally”. The ex-couple’s legal battles included the division of their six children’s assets, including the French winery Château Miraval.

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Angelina and Brad split in 2016 (Image: Getty Images)

Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, both 16, are Brad and Angelina’s six children.

Brad made a candid comment to GQ about the relentless media coverage he’s been receiving: “It’s been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or, let’s say, some aspect of my personal life.

Ines de Ramon, a 32-year-old jewelry executive, and Brad currently reside in Los Angeles.

Brad Pitt
He said the divorce wasn’t ‘that major of a thing’(Image: BANG Showbiz)

When asked if their glamorous 2024 British Grand Prix performance was intended to promote F1, Brad refuted any suggestion of promotional intent.

He responded, “No, dude, it’s not that calculated.” How exhausting would living be, my God? If you can do those calculations yourself, what about that? No, everything evolves. Relationships “evolve.”

When quizzed by the publication on whether Formula 1 was a sanctuary from the limelight, Brad Pitt replied: “Um, I don’t see it that way.”

He continued, “I’ve had to deal with it in every way, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do.”

If you let it be that, I don’t know, it’s always been this kind of nagging time suck or time waster. I’m not sure. Brad responded, “Reflecting on his personal life, I feel pretty… my life is fairly contained.

With my friends, my loves, my family, and my understanding of who I am, it feels like this fly buzzing around a little bit, you know.

The actor, who was once married to Jennifer Aniston until their breakup in 2005, appears to have found peace amid the chaos of fame.

Angelina’s attorney said in a statement that Brad and Angelina were “exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt more than eight years ago, according to attorney James Simon, who spoke to the Associated Press. She and her children left all of the property they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since then, she has been trying to bring their family peace and healing.

This is only one component of a long-running process that began eight years ago.

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