Luke Littler removed from darts event and replaced by former world champion in shock change

Luke Littler has been removed from a 2025 darts event and replaced by a former world champion.

The 17-year-old sensation is the biggest name in darts at the moment and is the favourite for the World Darts Championship. Having reached the final in his debut last year, Littler has been paired against stablemate Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals following his win over Ryan Joyce - rounding off the evening session on New Year's Day.

Littler will have a busy 2025 regardless of whether he becomes world champion but it's emerged that a scheduled appearance will not go ahead as planned.

Littler was advertised for the 'Night at the Darts' 'event at the Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Fife, Scotland on Friday April 25.

He was slated for an all-star showdown with world champion Luke Humphries in a repeat of their classic at Alexandra Palace to kick off 2024.

But according to The Courier, Littler will no longer be appearing. Organisers MDA events have not revealed the explanation and as per the outlet, "could not confirm" whether refunds will be issued.

Standard tickets on the Darts Shop website cost £50, while a £225 platinum ticket includes an exclusive player reception, a signed bespoke shirt and the ability to participate in a nine-dart challenge where the winner gets to play against a professional on stage.

Luke Littler has been removed from the April event. Image: Getty

The event now has a poster showing Adrian Lewis, with the two-time world champion filling in to take on Humphries.

The 39-year-old, champion in 2011 and 2012, took an extended break from darts in October 2023 to care for his ill wife but made a return earlier this year.

Adrian Lewis will take on Luke Humphries in Fife. Image: Darts Shop

Littler reflected on tough game against Joyce

Littler's last outing on the oche was one of the hardest he has faced, with Joyce pushing him all the way in the round of 16 contest. 'The Nuke', who produced his highest average of 103.14, showered his opponent with praise.

"I'm sure Ryan wasn't happy with the result, but the way he played I think he should go off that stage very happy," he said.

"It's very tough. I knew he'd be right behind me all game.

"As soon as I hit the double and celebrated, I went over to see and him and said, 'You said in your interview you've got no power scoring, you were right behind me every leg!' Then he said good luck and all the best.