Joe Cullen has revealed what Luke Littler is really like behind the scenes, after some insulting suggestions surrounding the 18-year-old darts sensation. The teenager is currently battling to reclaim his PDC World Darts Championship crown, having won it for the first time in 2025.

Having become the youngest-ever world champion, as well as rising to number one in the world rankings, many fans are watching Littler build a career in front of their eyes. With that has come confidence and swagger about the way he plays, although not everyone is a fan of it.

That has led to some fans questioning what the youngster is like behind the scenes. Cullen gave some insight when he told Sportsboom: "He's [Littler] incredible. I do so many exhibitions and they [fans] go I bet he's a right kn*****d.

"He's really not. He doesn't speak enough. He's so shy. He's so subdued. He's just very, very good at darts."

Cullen is on the same side of the bracket as Littler and could face him in the third round if both players get through their second round matches. Littler is set to face off with David Davies next up, while Cullen will take on the winner of Mensur Suljovic and David Cameron.

The latter got through the first round by beating Bradley Brooks 3-0, after some suggestion that he could be the second favourite in that matchup. "On paper is the key word there," Cullen responded when he was asked about being the underdog in the match. "Bradley's [Brooks] had a good year. He's played well. He's probably had his best year to date, but I've been rubbish, and I've had a better year than him, so make it out what you will."

Cullen's struggle for form over the past year has brought questions about whether he can find some extra quality for the Worlds at Alexandra Palace. With all eyes on the main stage, there will be hope that his first-round win is just the start on the way to a successful campaign, rediscovering some of his old form.

Cullen could be one match away from facing Littler, who beat Darius Labanauskas in round one, while David Davies awaits him in round two. The 36-year-old isn't looking too far ahead, however, keeping firm concentration on the challenge ahead of him.

"I'm not looking past Mensur [Suljovic] or David Cameron," he said. "I'm not looking past that. I'm going to go home, have a nice best part of a week at home and I'll be ready for next Sunday."

Despite that, Cullen couldn't help but mention the possibility of facing off against Littler, as he added: "I won't be looking past next Sunday, but if it does come to that and I play Littler as you say, I'll be relishing that and the whole world will be watching so I'll be giving it everything."