Luke Littler was supported by his former taxi driver father and retail worker mother as he narrowly missed out on SPOTY last night.
Littler, 17, was awarded second place, losing out on the top spot to athlete Keely Hodgkinson.
The sensational sportswoman also beat out triathlete Alex Yee, footballer Jude Bellingham, para-cyclist Sarah Storey, and cricketer Joe Root for the historic title.
Littler first made his name with a surprise surge to the final of the darts World Championship at the start of this year, pocketing £200,000 for his runners-up finish.
He then added another £275,000 when clinching his first major title, the Premier League in May.
The teen was supported by his father Anthony Buckley, 43, and mother Lisa Littler, 40, who works in a shop selling scented candles.
The proud parents kissed and embraced their son before he got up on stage to claim second place.
Littler smiled and adjusted his suit as he walked up to accept the award, telling the crowd: ‘It just goes to show how well I’ve done this year.’
Luke Littler is supported by his father Anthony Buckley, 43, after missing out on the SPOTY title
Anthony embraces his son as he is announced the runner up at last night’s awards ceremony
Littler is kissed and embraced by his mother Lisa Littler, 40, who works in a shop selling scented candles
Littler, 17, was awarded second place, losing out on the top spot to athlete Keely Hodgkinson
His parents appeared emotional as they watched the teen take the award, looking on with pride.
Last month, it was revealed that Littler – nicknamed ‘The Nuke’ – is being lined up to guest on the reboot of darts-themed TV game show Bullseye.
His commercial appeal since rising to fame has also helped him secure a string of contracts – including a modelling deal with BoohooMAN.
He was officially announced as a representative for the clothes retailer in February, following his World Championship exploits.
Meanwhile, Littler also sparked speculation last month that there was a new woman in his life months after splitting from Eloise Milburn.
The darts ace was live streaming himself playing a video game when a woman’s voice came on the microphone saying that she was tired and going to bed – with the exchange leading fans to suggest he might have a new girlfriend.
Littler accepts his award, telling the crowd: ‘It just goes to show how well I’ve done this year’
Littler smiles and adjusts his suit as he walked up to accept the award
Littler first made his name with a surprise surge to the final of the darts World Championship at the start of this year, pocketing £200,000 for his runners-up finish
Littler had Salford in stitches last night as he called out David Beckham at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony.
The 17-year-old was asked what his highlight of the year had been – perhaps receiving a text from Manchester United legend David Beckham?
‘Yeah, he’s still not followed me, though,’ replied Littler – and that was enough to have the audience belly-laughing.
Beckham had texted Littler ahead of his 2024 World Darts Championship final clash with Luke Humphries wishing him good luck, as had Luke Shaw. Kobbie Mainoo and Jessie Lingard had followed him on social media.
