Former world champion and darts legend Dennis Priestley has given advice to teenage sensation Luke Littler.
Littler, 17, will face Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final on Friday night, and the Warrington-born star defeated Stephen Bunting 6-1 in brilliant fashion in the semi-finals on Thursday.
The 17-year-old joined an exclusive group of players to qualify for back-to-back World Cup finals as he continues his meteoric rise in the sport over the past 12 months.
Littler won more than £1 million in prize money in 2024 and will be in line for a £500,000 check if he beats three-time champion Van Gerwen.
However, Priestley, who was the first World Championship winner in 1994, issued a warning to Littler, saying he needs to focus on his health and fitness if he is to ensure he can achieve long-term success as a supporter.
“While he is young, Littler can get away with a lot of unprofessional bad habits,” he said. The sports newspaper.
Former world champion Dennis Priestley sent a warning to teenage sensation Luke Littler
Littler thrashed Stephen Bunting 6-1 on Thursday to reach the World Championship final
Priestley, who was the first World Championship winner in 1994, said Littler needs to focus on his health and fitness if he is to ensure he can achieve long-term success in support.
'He probably can't see them now because he's still a child. You should watch Luke Humphries' transformation and lose some weight.
“To stay on the dart treadmill, you may have to get on your own treadmill.”
The 74-year-old continued: “I think Littler could earn at least £1 million a year for the rest of his career, as long as he keeps his standards high and his love for the sport doesn't diminish.”
“Littler has to stay motivated, he has to think about the accolades and the records he has at his disposal instead of the money.”
Priestley's comments regarding Littler come after Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray sparked outrage for “fat shaming” the 17-year-old live on the show, prompting furious viewers to vow to call Ofcom and demand an apology.
On Thursday, hosts Ray and Kate Garraway were discussing Littler's victory over Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace.
Despite his fantastic achievements, Ray felt it was necessary to express his “concern” for the teenager's health.
Turning to Kate, he said: 'I have to say, and this may not be very popular, that I'm a little worried about Luke. He is 17 years old and is taking on the appearance of a darts player.
Priestley's comments come after Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray sparked outrage for “shaming Littler” live on the show on Thursday, leaving furious viewers vowing to call Ofcom.
Ray found it necessary to express his 'concern' for the teenager's health despite his history
—But it is. If I were his mom and dad, I mean, he's like… look at him.
Like most youngsters, LIttler has previously said that he loves to eat delicacies such as pizza, kebabs and Swizzels Squashies before games.
Commenting on this, Ray added: “He has admitted to eating pizzas before a game and sitting there playing computer games.” I just think he'd be a little worried.
With a raised eyebrow, Garraway replied: 'Are you? But it's so successful!' 'I know!' Ray responded, “But he'll be more successful and he'll keep doing it.” I just worry.'
When asked if Ray was “worried about him” and if he thought he was “not very healthy,” he said, “Yeah, I don't want him to get too sick.”
Garraway then tried to make light of the awkward conversation by joking: “Really? Okay, why don't you come with a carrot? Watch that happen.' Ray laughed and said he would give Littler a Pret salad right before the final.
Defending Littler's eating habits, Garraway also said: “To be fair, a lot of 17-year-olds like pizza, right?”
“I know, I know,” Ray said as he stepped back and added, “I'm a little worried.” “He’s brilliant, I absolutely love him, he’s just brilliant.”
Littler has won over £1 million in prize money in 2024 as he continues to transform the sport
But Priestley questioned Littler's spending habits when it came to renting a mansion in Cheshire.
Meanwhile, in October it was revealed that Littler had made the most of his newfound fame and fortune by moving with his parents to a five-bedroom mansion, which he rents for £6,000 a month in a leafy suburb of his hometown. of Warrington, Cheshire.
And Priestley hinted that he had been surprised by Littler's decision and felt the 17-year-old would be better off spending his money differently.
“I don't know what advice they're giving you,” he said. 'I was asked about renting a mansion for £6,000 a month.
'I mean, if he had come to me for advice, I would have told him that if you want a mansion and that kind of life, you'd better buy it.
'Having a mortgage is better than wasting £6,000 and getting nothing in return. But that's your business. That's how I see it, because it's only £6,000 a month down the drain.
«£72,0000 a year. That will keep you on your toes. You have to keep earning if you are going to invest that amount of money.