Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton has revealed what world number one Luke Littler is truly like behind the scenes. The reigning world champion has impressed spectators at this year's PDC World Darts Championship with his exceptional precision, surrendering only two sets on his way to tonight's crucial semi-final showdown against 'Heavy Metal' Ryan Searle.

Yet the 18-year-old's character has been questioned after 'The Nuke' delivered an extraordinary outburst at the Ally Pally crowd following his thrilling last-16 triumph over former world champion Rob Cross. The packed audience in north London supported underdog Cross throughout the contest, with portions of the crowd jeering Littler as he stepped up to the oche - the unexpected hostility seemingly rattling the teenager.

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, a clearly frustrated Littler turned towards the spectators and declared: "I'm not bothered, I'm not bothered, really, I'm not bothered! Can I just say one thing? You guys pay for tickets and pay for my prize money so thank you for the money, thank you for booing me!".

Following a period backstage to compose himself, Littler acknowledged that he had "lost his head" after delivering the furious rant - but Paton maintains that such behaviour is unusual for the young star. The popular presenter, who hosts the evening sessions at the Worlds, says the Warrington-born talent typically displays a far more composed demeanour away from the cameras.

Chatting to the Mirror ahead of his 18th birthday, she shared: "It's like speaking to a 17-year-old. He's very chilled out. He's a very chilled-out character in general, which is in contrast to what you see on the stage, where he comes alive and is a real showman and an entertainer."

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"I think he's done so well. He was thrust into the limelight [...] and it's a testament to him being a good kid and having good people around him that he has dealt with everything so well."

The 31-year-old telly host also praised Littler's grace under pressure when things haven't quite gone his way. "It's one thing speaking when you're having success and winning things, but you've also got to speak when things aren't going so well," Paton pointed out.

"Coming into the Grand Slam [which he went on to win in 2024 and 2025], he'd had a number of TV tournament exits. That's when things turn with people saying he's in awful form and asking, 'Can he get back to winning ways?' and 'Is this the end of it?'".

"Even then, he's spoken very eloquently. I think he's maybe got a bit more comfortable with things now. In the last few months, he's probably been himself more. I suppose that comes with doing more and getting more used to it. But he's always been a joy to speak to."