TEARS flowed on and off the Alexandra Palace stage for the Littler family on a night they will never forget.

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler set his parents off, and himself, after his staggering achievement of becoming world champion at the age of 17.

In the immediate aftermath of his Ally Pally heroics the Warringtonian said the amazing feat he had pulled off had not sunk in.

He added: “As soon as the winning double went in, I couldn’t believe it. Initially, after I’d celebrated, it was ‘what have you just done?’ “I was fine, but then when I looked up, looked into the crowd and everyone was up on their feet, that’s when the tears came. And I looked over to my family who were in tears as well and it was then that I knew the trophy was mine.

Luke Littler's family in bits after seeing their son and brother become world champion (Image: Taylor Lanning/PDC)

Celebrating as a family, with the trophy as a new member. From left, his brother Leon, mum Lisa and dad Anthony (Image: PDC)

“Everyone wants to lift this one. I think I’m the 12th or 13th person to do it. And obviously I’m the youngest.

“But from watching many, many finals over the years to now add my name to the list it means a lot.

Luke Littler, looking to be in a state of disbelief as he moves in to pick up his trophy (Image: PDC)

“I’ve been doing this since I started off aged 18 months, with a nappy on and a magnetic board.

“I’ve just kept at it. When I used to say to my mates I’ve got a darts competition, they’d say ‘Darts?’. And I’d say ‘Yeah, darts, have you not seen it?

“Me and my family have come a long way with what we’ve achieved over the years. What my mum and dad have done for me I can’t thank them enough?

“For myself, this now ranks at the top. It has to be.

“I’ve said previously that the nine-darter in the Premier League Final against Luke Humphries was the best, but this couldn’t be topped if I won five Premier Leagues, five World matchplays. The world title is the best feeling ever.”

It is a complete contrast in emotions to those he experienced 12 months earlier as a runner-up to world number one Luke Humphries, after he had led 4-2 at one point.

He has gone on to travel the world and win 10 titles since, so does he feel like the same man as he was this time last year?

“I’m probably the same but this world championships especially I’ve let my emotions out, and I’ve ‘give it big’ after a 180 or a big checkout,” he answered.

“Usually I’m probably too nice on the board but it was good to let my emotions out throughout the tournament.”

Van Gerwen, who has experienced all the emotions of three wins and five losses in darts’ biggest event, wrapped his arms around Littler as the tears flowed.

Littler said: “After winning, I think he said ‘well done’. When we were on the side and he saw me crying, he said ‘Keep crying boy, keep crying.’ “He deserves quite a lot of respect for this world championships. Everyone was looking at me and Luke Humphries, but to look at Michael’s side of the draw it wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t easy for myself.

“So for us two to get to the final it was a big achievement and for me to come through as the winner it’s even better.”

Michael van Gerwen embraces the new world champion (Image: PDC)

An emotional moment shared by Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler (Image: PA Wire)

As well as the coveted silverware, Littler pocketed an incredible £500,000 for his victory and surely he will now splash out on a treat for himself?

There probably will be when I get my head round the amount of money I’ve just picked up. I’ve said before in an interview I don’t really like talking about the money, but it’s there.”