Littler effect reaches British TV: darts storyline appears in popular soap Emmerdale

Luke Littler’s rise isn’t confined to the darts circuit. The young world champion’s surging popularity has even inspired a new storyline in the hit British soap Emmerdale.

The producers of the long-running ITV series have decided to introduce a women’s darts team at the village’s iconic pub, The Woolpack. The soap taps into the sport’s growing profile in the United Kingdom, where darts has received a major boost in recent years thanks to Littler’s exploits.

In the new plot, several female villagers decide to set up their own team to breathe new life into the pub. The first members are Vanessa Woodfield, Mary Goskirk, and Caitlin Todd, who hope to bring atmosphere and on-oche success.

Claudette Anderson later joins the group as well. According to the producers, her sharp wit and assured throwing instantly strengthen the team.

The choice of this storyline didn’t come out of nowhere. Across much of Yorkshire and other regions of England, more darts teams are forming, especially among women. Pubs and local bars are also using darts leagues to draw customers back through the door.

Producer Sophie Roper explained the decision. “We had heard local darts teams, particularly those made up of women, were springing up across Yorkshire. It felt right that the ladies of Emmerdale would mirror this by setting up their own pub darts team.”

According to Roper, such initiatives play an important social role. "With fewer people heading out mid-week, many rural pubs are finding times tough. These teams, much like pub quizzes, are a fantastic way of encouraging people back in to socialise face-to-face and the Woolpack like other village pubs is a vital rural community hub.”

It’s no surprise Littler’s name is tied to this trend. The young Englishman has become the face of a new darts generation. In early 2025, he made history by becoming the youngest world champion ever at 17.

A season later, ‘The Nuke’ successfully defended his world title, joining a select group of players to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy. Littler has also amassed twelve major titles, an impressive haul for someone his age. That tally already places him third on the all-time list.