Fallon Sherrock and Mitchell Lawrie among Netflix’s ‘Beat Luke Littler’ contestants
Fallon Sherrock and Mitchell Lawrie are among a number of well-known contestants named for the upcoming ‘Beat Luke Littler’ show on Netflix, sparking backlash from darts fans.
The brand new competition sees 24 ‘amateurs’ each taking on Littler in a one leg shootout for the chance to scoop a whopping £501,000.
The live finals will take place at Manchester Central from 7pm GMT on Friday October 30, hosted by former England footballer Gary Lineker, former BBC Pointless presenter Richard Osman, YouTuber Angry Ginge and comedian Lee Mack.
Matchroom President Barry Hearn is also cited as a special guest, while John McDonald will return as Master of Ceremonies and Sky Sports’ Rod Studd will provide the commentary.
The announcement of the 24-player shortlist on Thursday sparked backlash from large sections of the darts fraternity, with the event initially advertised as giving ‘amateurs’ the opportunity to beat Littler and win a life-changing prize.
Whilst no current or former PDC Tour Card holders were permitted to enter, the field was left open for any other player regardless of previous experience in professional competition.
Auditions were held in London and Manchester last month, attracting thousands of entrants who were required to complete a leg in 24 darts or fewer in order to progress through the audition process.
However, Live Darts understands a number of the selected contestants were approached at events in advance of the auditions and encouraged to enter on the basis they would be all but assured of a place in the live finals.
A number of the finalists already have televised experience behind them, including former Women’s World Matchplay champion Sherrock – who famously reached the Last 32 of the PDC World Championship in 2019.
At 15, Scottish starlet Lawrie made headlines around the world by becoming the youngest player ever to reach the final of the Lakeside Championships last year and is the current WDF world number one.
Bhav Patel competed in the 2024 PDC World Championship and is a regular on the Challenge Tour, while Ireland’s Katie Sheldon has made two previous appearances in the Women’s World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
David Wawrzewski narrowly missed out on a Tour Card at Qualifying School in 2021 and featured in the MODUS Super Series, while 14-year-old Jayden Walker, managed by MODUS, became the youngest-ever winner of a senior WDF ranking title at the England International Open earlier this month.
Jasper Scarrott has also competed in the MODUS Super Series and on the Challenge Tour, while Jacob Gwynne has previously faced Littler in the World Youth Championship.
There are a number of unknown quantities among the line-up, including Tony Cole – a bank business adviser from South Wales who has reportedly never played darts against another person.
Zac Spain, a jockey who has competed in more than 7,500 horse races, travelled from Australia to audition, while 23-year-old Théodore Wallich from Paris only picked up a dart for the first time three years ago.
Who are the Netflix ‘Beat Luke Littler’ contestants?
Lauren Bloomfield (30) – Kent, England
David Wawrzewski (50) – London, England
Kasey Smith (16) – Manchester, England
Jarod Becker (23) – Hildesheim, Germany
Katie Sheldon (22) – Dublin, Ireland
Zac Spain (30) – Melbourne, Australia
Makinley Cooper-Johnson (14) – Wrexham, Wales
Taylon Forrester (18) – Bedford, England
Pearse Mackle (21) – County Cavan, Ireland
Jayden Walker (14) – Christchurch, England
Pwyll ap Llŷr Edwards (34) – Bala, Wales
Tony Cole (39) – South Wales
Jasper Scarrott (54) – York, England
Bhav Patel (36) – Kent, England
Jacob Gwynne (27) – Leeds, England
Théodore Wallich (23) – Paris, France
Mitchell Lawrie (15) – Renfrew, Scotland
Mark Pooke (57) – London, England
Fallon Sherrock (32) – Milton Keynes, England
Will Kemp (30) – Harrogate, England
Sonny Johal (29) – Derby, England
Brett Todd (25) – Ipswich, England
