Littler says Netflix field surprised him after Sherrock won £501,000

Luke Littler says the strength of the opposition on his Netflix darts show surprised him, after Fallon Sherrock defeated the world number one to win £501,000. Speaking about the event in comments reported by BBC Sport and Sky Sports, Littler said he had expected pub-level opponents but recognised more than half of the eventual line-up.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KroyiEtPBOU

The competition admitted players who did not hold a PDC Tour card, allowing established names and leading juniors to enter alongside less experienced challengers. BBC Sport reported that Littler recognised Mitchell Lawrie, Zach Griffiths and Katie Sheldon among the entrants. He had previously played with Griffiths on the Development Tour, while Sherrock had never held a Tour card.

Sherrock's route to the stage included an audition process and a public vote, rather than an automatic invitation to play Littler. At Manchester Central, she earned the first throw by winning the nearest-the-bull contest and completed the decisive leg in 15 darts, according to the BBC. Her victory came after Littler had beaten 14 opponents in succession.

Netflix's own account confirms Sherrock's £501,000 prize and describes a selected field of 24 contestants aged between 14 and 57. The group included schoolchildren, a refuse worker, a restaurant manager, a former British Army captain and an Australian jockey. The challenge offered entrants the chance to beat Littler in a single leg, rather than requiring a victory across a longer match.

Sky Sports reported that Littler regarded Sherrock as a deserving winner despite his surprise at the field. He also said he wanted to help expand the audience for darts and increase his own profile. His interest in another edition did not amount to an announcement of a new event or a confirmed return date for the programme.

Littler described the experience as demanding, citing the heat and repeated trips on and off stage during consecutive matches, BBC Sport reported. He nevertheless expressed a willingness to take part again. Netflix says the original programme was produced with Workerbee in partnership with the PDC, with Gary Lineker hosting and Richard Osman providing analysis.