LUKE 'The Nuke' Littler says 'life has changed' as he heads into his World Series of Darts debut in the Bahrain Masters.

Warrington's 16-year-old new darts superstar shot into global prominence over the festive period when he reached the PDC World Darts Championship Final on debut - the youngest ever to do so by a long way.

Although the PDC World Youth Champion and JDC World Junior Champion eventually missed out on the title at Alexandra Palace to world number one Luke Humphries, his remarkable run in the competition was key to record TV viewing figures and bringing a whole new audience to the sport.

Littler, who only left school last summer, now heads into full-time professionalism as the highest followed darts player on social media and is seen as the inspiration for youngsters determined to give the arrows a try up and down the UK.

In his hometown, his achievements are providing the impetus to the Warrington 501 Youth Academy being established at St Benedict's Social Club.

> READ: Everything you need to know about 'The Nuke' in the Bahrain Darts Masters

Littler has continued living the high life during his break as he enjoyed a family holiday before spending time with his beloved rugby league club Warrington Wolves while also getting the chance to meet Manchester United great Sir Alex Ferguson.

And he has had a film crew following him, understood to be for a documentary.

“It’s been crazy. Warrington Wolves invited me down and I went to the Manchester United game and met Sir Alex Ferguson,” he said.

“To meet him was amazing and he said some lovely things to me about staying dedicated and believing in myself.

“The holiday was great to get away from everything and we did that. My life’s changed and my family’s life has changed and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’m getting.”

Now 'The Nuke' is all set for the biggest and busiest darts period in his life as the Dutch Masters next week and then weekly performances in the Premier League well into May will dominate his calendar after his time in Bahrain.

“I’m in this event in Bahrain, in the Dutch Darts Masters next week and then the Premier League. I don’t really have any goals, I’m just going to have to see what the darts do," he said.