Netflix defends controversial 'Beat Luke Littler' line-up after backlash over Fallon Sherrock and Mitchell Lawrie

Netflix has responded to criticism surrounding the line-up for its new darts show, Beat Luke Littler. The streaming service has come under fire after selecting several well-known players, including Fallon Sherrock, for a programme initially billed as a chance for amateur players to take on the two-time world champion. Netflix says, however, that every contestant went through exactly the same selection process.

The show will be broadcast live next Friday evening, marking Netflix’s debut in darts. A total of 24 contestants will get the chance to challenge Luke Littler over one leg of 501. Anyone who beats the 19-year-old Englishman could win a staggering £501,000.

The line-up announcement sparked debate among darts fans last week. The show was initially billed as a unique opportunity for recreational players to take on the world champion, but the selected contestants also include several players already active on the PDC circuit.

The best-known name is Fallon Sherrock. In 2019, the 32-year-old Englishwoman made history as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship. She went on to reach the third round at Alexandra Palace.

Fifteen-year-old Scottish talent Mitchell Lawrie is also among the contestants. He is the reigning youth world champion and is regarded as one of the biggest talents in darts. Ashley Coleman, meanwhile, sits 34th in the PDC Challenge Tour rankings.

Critics say the inclusion of players like these departs from the original idea of giving ordinary amateur players a chance to face Littler.

Netflix told City AM that it made no distinction between well-known players and recreational contestants during the selection process.

“The application and audition process for Beat Luke Littler was exactly the same for everyone and open only to people aged 12 and over who do not hold – and have never held – a PDC Tour Card,” a Netflix spokesperson said.

The streaming service said the better-known contestants also had to prove themselves through the standard qualifying rounds.

“The final 24 that have been selected for the chance to face Luke this week, all queued up to compete in the heats in London or Manchester, respectively, and managed to complete a leg of 501 in 24 darts or less to prove their darting ability.”

That was not the end of the process. After the preliminary rounds, candidates also had to complete further audition interviews before the final selections were made.

Alongside familiar names from the darts world, the line-up includes contestants with very different backgrounds. They include a manager at restaurant chain Nando’s, a refuse collector and a former captain in the British Army.

According to people involved in the show, all contestants meet the requirements because none currently holds a PDC Tour Card or has held one in the past. They are therefore classed as amateurs for the programme, even if they already have experience playing competitive darts.

At the same time, the presence of experienced players increases the chances of Littler being beaten and the £501,000 top prize being claimed.

At just 19, Littler already has two world titles to his name and is one of the biggest draws in darts. His rapid rise has helped fuel the sport’s growing popularity in recent years.

On Friday evening, we will find out whether one of the 24 challengers can beat “The Nuke” over a single leg and take home the top prize.