"I was followed! I did three U-turns and he did the same" – Luke Littler left "shaking" and "nervous" as paparazzi hound 18-year-old just days after passing driving test

Luke Littler says he was left “shaking” and “nervous” after being followed by paparazzi on the motorway – just two days after passing his driving test.

Speaking in an interview with Oche180, the 18-year-old revealed the frightening moment came while driving to see girlfriend Faith, shortly after treating himself to a new BMW 120 M Sport to celebrate acing his test with zero minors.

“I didn’t really celebrate,” Littler said. “I was up at half six and then I went out for an hour with my instructor [on Monday] to do my test. I then went to do some Target filming and then went to sort out my insurance as quick as possible."

“On Wednesday I was driving up to Faith’s and I was getting followed. I made the latest exit you can possibly do on a motorway. I came off so late. So did he — and then I think I did about three U-turns and he did the same," Littler recalls. "But yeah, I was shaking, nervous — been driving for two days and getting followed on a motorway. That’s why I posted the car so he couldn’t sell his pictures — so that is for him. I know it’s a job, but following me on the motorway, it’s dead busy — I was nervous and stuff. But yeah, that’s why I posted the car, so he could do nowt about it.”

The world No.2 returns to action this weekend at the Grand Slam of Darts, where he begins the defence of his title against Karel Sedlacek. But despite recently getting his licence, Littler admits he’ll leave the driving to someone else for now.

“I probably won’t drive to Wolverhampton,” he said. “I’ve been to Manchester a few times with Faith, but yeah, I think I’ll let my dad drive.”

Littler sits less than £75,000 behind Luke Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit and could make darting history by becoming the youngest world No.1. Asked about his pursuit of the top spot, Littler said: “Yeah, obviously I know the money comes off before the Worlds, and I’m provisionally number one for the Worlds. But like I’ve said previously, it wouldn’t surprise me if Luke goes on and wins and picks up more prize money. I’m going to be here on the other side of the draw, just doing my best and trying to keep adding a bit more prize money. I think I said to my dad and the guys from Target that if I’d played a few more Euro Tours, I might’ve been number one by now.”

Littler also addressed his unexpected new title as the “world’s sexiest athlete” – a story that quickly made national news.

“Yeah, I saw something about it on the news on Safari on my phone and I was like, ‘This can’t be true.’ Then I think it was on ITV News, and I was just like, all right, fair enough. I didn’t even vote, didn’t even know how to vote, but if I could have, I would’ve! But I won it anyway. I’ve no idea. I didn’t even know it was a thing. If there’s a prize, I’ll happily take it though!”

Despite the noise around him, Littler’s focus remains razor-sharp heading into Wolverhampton.

“Yeah, obviously, this isn’t one I’ve got to tick off because I did that last year,” he said. “So I wouldn’t say there’s really any nerves, but I still want to go and win the title. I want to put pressure on Luke for the world number one spot, and yeah, that’s all I want to do – try to retain it, go deep into the tournament, and keep that pressure on Luke.”