Luke Littler in fresh career boost as darts ace set to feature in second series of TV show before first even airs
FEW could have predicted that the game of darts would spark a frenzy in TV land this year – but that is just what has happened.
I can reveal Sky is already planning a follow-up to its upcoming documentary series about arrows stars, called simply Darts.
And it is all because of the rise to fame of a certain teen sensation named Luke Littler, not to mention a TV game-show called Bullseye.
A telly insider said: “Producers have a canny knack of knowing which way the wind is blowing and quickly catching that to maximise viewers.
“The rise in popularity of darts is a classic example, and Sky are keen to make the most of it with these two documentaries.
“Even though a date has yet to be confirmed for the first show, bosses are so sure that it will be a success they have another one in the pipeline.”
The hoopla all began in January when Luke made it to the World Darts Championship final, aged just 16 — only for Luke Humphries to beat him and become world No1.
Littler, now 17, and 29-year-old Humphries are part of a band of new stars sparking a renaissance in the game.
Shortly after their thrilling show-down, I revealed how ITV had been inspired to look at rebooting darts game show Bullseye.
Then earlier this month I told how the revival had been confirmed, with former cricketer and Top Gear host Freddie Flintoff taking over the presenting role previously held by Jim Bowen when the show was a hit in the Eighties and Nineties.
Luke will be the celebrity player who goes on Bullseye when the reboot kicks off with a Christmas special this December.
Plus, he’ll feature heavily in the first of the two Sky documentaries, which will run over three episodes and could hit screens later this year too.
Luke will soon be on more shows than Bradley Walsh and Joel Dommett put together.
Nathan’s the man to BBeat
HE was favourite to be the first housemate booted off the new Big Brother series – but now, thanks to a budding romance, Nathan King is hotly tipped to win.
Pork salesman Nathan, previously a royal butler serving the now King Charles, has been growing close to fellow contestant Rosie Williams.
Pork salesman Nathan, previously a royal butler serving the now King Charles, has been growing close to fellow contestant Rosie Williams.
He and dental nurse Rosie have admitted they may pursue a romance after leaving the house – and last night they had a sneaky snog, spending time in the bathroom alone.
Bookmaker Ladbrokes now sees Nathan as a frontrunner to triumph on the ITV show, with love interest Rosie his main competition.
An insider said: “He’s the one to beat.”
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HARRISON FORD therapy comedy Shrinking is to get a third run on Apple TV+.
The second, now premiering on Wednesdays, also has Jason Segel as grieving shrink Jimmy, who breaks rules and talks frankly to clients – to the dismay of senior colleague Dr Paul Rhoades, played by Ford.
Hol of a palaver Scottie
SCOTT MILLS is finally ready to take a honeymoon – five months late after using up all his holiday leave filming reality TV hit Celebrity Race Across The World.
The Radio 2 host won the BBC show in October with husband Sam Vaughan who he wed in June.
But five weeks of filming crippled his diary.
Chatting ahead of his break, details of which are top-secret, Scott said his holiday leave renewed this month so he and producer Sam are finally planning a getaway.
He added: “We are going somewhere luxurious, sunny and hot with nice toilets that work.”
In a nod to Celebrity Race Across The World, he said: “I am going to lock my phone away for a week because if I can do it for five weeks I can do it for a week. It is freeing.”
Not too tough to chuckle
CELEBRITY SAS Who Dares Wins instructor Rudy Reyes is nicknamed the “ballerina of violence” – but reckons his tough-guy image does not make him averse to a laugh on the Channel 4 show.
He said: “I’m no comedian but I hope my humour comes across. I want to bring the fun.”
Sean’s Chase secrets
THE CHASE star Shaun “The Dark Destroyer” Wallace may have most answers, but admits there are two that elude him – how much longer it will run and whether he will remain or get the chop.
Barrister Shaun has been part of the family since it began in 2009, but does not assume it will go on and on.
He also reckons he’s only as good as his last performance on the ITV show and, if he can’t compete with fellow Chasers, could be replaced on its master quizzer roster.
He said: “There’s never been a timeline for the show because you could be on the most successful series in the world and then it can go tomorrow.
“I’m only as good as my last closing speech as a lawyer, and as a Chaser, so never take anything for granted.
“I am the world’s first Chaser, so am comfortable. But if they don’t think I’m good enough, I’m not bigger than the show – end of story.”
It’s Stevie Thunder
STEPHEN GRAHAM has certainly been a very busy boy.
He only just finished making the eagerly anticipated boxing period drama A Thousand Blows for Disney+, which looks like an epic production, not least because it was penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
And now he has been spotted filming a thunderously angry scene for upcoming Netflix real-life crime drama Adolescence, a four-parter where each episode is filmed in a single, continuous shot and the action unfolds in real time.
Stephen was seen roadside in Pontefract, West Yorks, apparently arguing with a police officer in what looked like a highly charged moment.
Which would make sense given that Adolescence tells the shocking story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested and charged with the murder of a teenage girl who goes to his school.
Stephen plays Jamie’s dad, opposite The Crown star Erin Doherty – who also features with him in A Thousand Blows, which is set to air next year.
KSI steps in for Si on BGT
THE Britain’s Got Talent audience this weekend witnessed an unusual sight above the stage – four judges’ names that did NOT include that of show boss Simon Cowell.
He’d stepped back from the panel following former One Direction singer Liam Payne’s death.
Friday auditions had been cancelled but on Saturday the show had to go on in Blackpool or it would have left the series in chaos.
Luckily, Bruno Tonioli returned from judging Dancing With The Stars in the US to take his seat which had been kept warm by YouTube sensation KSI, who then took Simon’s place.
Bruno and Alesha each hit their golden buzzer and KSI was left in tears by one act.
Blackpool was meant to see five auditions but only three took place due to Liam’s passing, so some may be moved to London when BGT returns to the captial in the new year.