Netflix defends amateur darts show after pro players selected

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 13:28 · Archive

Netflix says professional darts players were selected for Beat Luke Littler only after queuing and auditioning like other applicants.

Netflix has defended its new darts show Beat Luke Littler after facing criticism over the inclusion of established professional players. The streaming service announced that figures from the professional darts circuit, including former World Championship star Fallon Sherrock and World Darts Federation number one Mitchell Lawrie, would compete against Littler in the live show, which airs on Friday night.

The programme initially attracted interest as an opportunity for amateur pub players to challenge the double world champion in a single leg of 501 darts for a prize of £501,000. When the line-up was revealed, fans objected to the presence of well-known professional players among the 24 contenders.

Netflix responded by stating that the application and audition process was identical for all participants. A Netflix spokesperson said the show was 'open only to people aged 12 and over who do not hold – and have never held – a PDC Tour Card'. The spokesperson confirmed that all 24 finalists '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'.

Among those selected alongside the professionals were a Nando's restaurant manager, a bin collector and a former British Army captain. Thousands of amateur players attended the audition process, some queuing for hours for the chance to be selected.

Littler must win 24 consecutive legs to prevent an amateur from claiming the prize. The Independent reports that Littler told This Morning he thinks 'I know half' of his opponents, suggesting familiarity with some contenders. He told the Press Association that challengers 'could have the leg of their life'.

How it is being reported

• Familiarity breeds concern as challengers line up to ‘Beat Luke Littler’Former World Championship star Fallon Sherrock and World Darts Federation number one Mitchell Lawrie are among those with eyes on the £501,000 prize.Independent Sport · 29 Oct, 13:18
• She's faced Luke Littler once before... now meet the darts sharpshooter from Tallaght who is planning to take down the world champion and win half a million - in front of a massive live Netflix audienceThe Luke Littler phenomenon will hit Netflix on Friday. The streaming giant is giving 24 darts players an opportunity to beat the world champion in one leg, all for a cheque of £501,000 (€600,000).Daily Mail Sport · 28 Oct, 22:51
• Netflix defends Beat Luke Littler line-up after backlash at pros’ inclusionNetflix insists that Fallon Sherrock and other faces from the PDC circuit were made to queue up and audition alongside thousands of hopefuls before being selected for its new live show, Beat Luke Littler. The programme has attracted a backlash from darts fans after it was initially billed as a chance for pub players to [...]City AM · 27 Oct, 16:46

In this story: Luke Littler · Fallon Sherrock · Mitchell Lawrie · Netflix · Katie Sheldon · Jaden Walker

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