so i think— van gerwen he willjump all over it. so i think michaelhael van gerwen will come but chris dobey will have his moments — the man who has captivated the darts scene and beyond in the last 12 months is luke littler. stephen bunting stands between him and a second straight final. we can cross live to alexandra palace now and chat to our correspondent natalie pirks. it is hard that we are talking but luke littler, who is only 17. he cannot luke littler, who is only 17. he: cannot legally buy a pint but looking tonight to reach back to back finals of the world championships. this time last year it was a 164th in the world and in his first year as professionally he's risen to fourth in the world and has 110 titles including the premier league and he has made more than a million in prize money and that's not even including any of the sponsorship he has since earned. he went from 4000 instagram followers to 1.4 million. he got a text from david beckham and of course when the bbc young sports personality of the year. he was in fact so popular last

michael van gerwen faces the 17—year—old sensation who, remember, is in a second consecutive world championshipfriday night. well, michael van gerwen hasn't had the best of seasons, but was in a bullish mood after his semifinal win. i have been in this position a few more times, and the moment people do not believe in me, that is the moment i have to keep fighting and keep believing in my ability, and that is what i am doing. you need to make sure you maintain your own performance and keep digging and digging and try to level up your game, and that is the only thing you can do. tennis and poland are on course for a second successive appearance in the final of the united cup. they've reached the final four of the tournament after beating great britain in the quaterfinals. hubert hurkatch got them off to a winning start, beating billy harris in straight sets though both were close. the world number two iga swiatek secured the victory, getting the better of katie boulter in the second singles match. swiatek lost the opening set but fought back to win in three and set poland up for a semifinal tie

it was set by michael van gerwen in 201a. it was set by michael van gerwen in 2014.rwen in 2014. everyone else is looking forward _ gerwen in 2014. everyone else is looking forward to _ gerwen in 2014. everyone else is looking forward to it - gerwen in 2014. everyone else is looking forward to it more . is looking forward to it more than i am. seven sets, i'll be happy. i've gained loads of experience. michael has been in numerous finals. this is my second. i know where i went wrong last year, and i'm sure i'll fix it. as, wrong last year, and i'm sure “1 fix it— i'll fix it. a lot of build-up to that final— i'll fix it. a lot of build-up to that final at _ i'll fix it. a lot of build-up to that final at alexandra | to that final at alexandra palace on the bbc sport website. that's it for now from here. thanks very much indeed. amber warnings for snow and ice have been issued for large areas of england and wales this weekend, after temperatures fell to nearly —8c overnight. an arctic blast has hit the uk, with severe warnings for northern england, the midlands and mu

there seem to be that absence of star power _ seem to be that absence of star power beyond michael van gerwenergence of michael— now you have seen the emergence of michael smith winning its first— of michael smith winning its first role _ of michael smith winning its first role title a couple of years _ first role title a couple of years ago and obviously luke humphreys winning his first last year— humphreys winning his first last year and even stephen bunting _ last year and even stephen bunting now returning to the top of— bunting now returning to the top of the game and you can look— top of the game and you can look at — top of the game and you can look at there being five or six players — look at there being five or six players who really are carrying this pour — players who really are carrying this pour in about a dozen others _ this pour in about a dozen others who want to join that mantle~ _ others who want to 'oin that mantle. , ., . mantle. the power, alex, phil ta [or mantle. the power, alex, phil taylor 116 _ mantle. the power, alex, phil taylor 116 world _ mantle. the power, alex,

michael van gerwen, when he was young, he won the wild masters and a lot of tournaments that boy, andthere would be another michael van gerwen come along as quick as he did. we knew he played dartss, different opens he won, but as soon as he got on the alley pali stage last year, everything he went for, he got to the final and people said he was a bit lucky but you can't say he is lucky when he gets to the final and this year, it was amazing, really enjoyed it. it was a match to remember. but then in sports, there are a lot of young guys who play football who are very young, tennis players who are very young, so why not darts players who are that young? haw players who are that young? how does he cape _ players who are that young? how does he cope with _ players who are that young? how does he cope with the pressure? at the moment he is very humble, seems to take everything in his stride, but surely that will change, isn't it, as he starts to feel the enormity of what he has done? well, obviously he has good management. he doesn't talk to bad and when he first started he couldn't put

luke littler looks to make history tonight as he sails into blockbuster world darts final with michael van gerwenllo, i'm geeta guru—murthy, welcome to bbc news now. the brother of the man who killed 1a people in new orleans on new year's day has given an interview to our us partner cbs. in it says he's struggling to understand how shamsud—din jabbar could have committed such an attack. the fbi say the army veteran acted alone and had declared his support for the islamic state group. 00:01:00,295 --> 2147483051:37:14,862 in videos he made before the 2147483051:37:14,862 --> 4294966103:13:29,429 deadly attack, the 42—year—old after a confrontation with his security team. an arctic blast hit the uk — temperatures fall to nearly minus 8 celcius with snow warnings for the weekend. a plan to transform social care in england is announced but final proposals are unlikely to be delivered until 2028. to make history tonight as he sails into blockbuster world darts final with michael van gerwen. to bbc news now. tiger bech was a former all—ivy league kick returner, playing for the princeton tigers from 201

world darts championship final — as teenage sensation luke littler faces three—time winner michael van gerwenfor littler — atjust 17 years old — would see the sport's popularity surge even more, and make him the tournament's youngest winner — beating the previous record which was set by van gerwen when he won his first title at aged 2a back in 2014. everyone else is looking forward to it more than i am. but winning seven sets, i'm happy. getting loads of experience, there's been numerous finals — this is my second — i know where i went wrong last year, and i'm sure all fix it. liverpool manager, arne slot, says trent alexander arnold remains fully committed to the club — despite a recent approach by real madrid, which was rebuffed by the club. with the player's contract expiring at the end of the season, slot wouldn't rule out alexander arnold being sold in the january transfer window, preferring only to confirm he will be in the team for their next premier league match against manchester united. ican i can tell you that he's playing on sunday. that he is, and hopefully he brings the same per

michael van gerwen, when he was young, 17, he won the world masters and he won a lot of tournaments.r mac to come along, as quick as he did. we knew he played darts, played in the youth, but on the ally pally stage last year, he hit everything he went for. he got to the final. you can't to his lucky when he gets to a final, and this year, it's amazing. i really enjoyed it. it was a match to remember. but then in sport there are a lot of young guys, that can play football, young tennis players, so why not dart players be that young? so why not dart players be that ouna ? ., so why not dart players be that oun. ? ., ., , so why not dart players be that ounu? ., .,, young? how does he cope with the pressure? _ young? how does he cope with the pressure? at _ young? how does he cope with the pressure? at the _ young? how does he cope with the pressure? at the momentl young? how does he cope with l the pressure? at the moment he is very humble, seems to take everything in his stride. but thatis everything in his stride. but that is surely going to change, isn't it, as he starts to feel the

it will be a historic night at alexandra palace tonight as either michael van gerwen or luke littlern the world darts championship. victory for van gerwen would mean a fourth title, whilst for 17—year—old littler it would be his first, but in lifting the trophy he would become the tournament's youngest winner, beating the previous record by seven years, which was set by van gerwen in 2014. everyone else is looking forward to it more than i am. but if i win seven sets, i'll be happy. i've gained loads of experience. obviously, michael has been in loads of finals. this is my second. i know where i went wrong last year and i'm sure i will fix it. i don't mind who i am going to plax _ i don't mind who i am going to play. you _ i don't mind who i am going to play. you need to battle your own — play. you need to battle your own battles, focus on your own experience. own battles, focus on your own experience-_ experience. you are the only former champion _ experience. you are the only former champion left - experience. you are the only. former champion left standing here. how important coul

luke littler looks to make history tonight as he sails into blockbuster world darts final with michael van gerweno. i'm geeta guru—murthy. lisa is coming in from france that in the south of france a presenter has taken five members of staff hostage. the justice minister said that he was following events in real time and is mobilising all resources to end the stand—off. reports are that the prisoner consultant for nurses and one prison guard in the infirmary by a prison shank. multiple sources sank a 37—year—old hostage taker was in prison for an armed rate. the prison service says he does not have the profile of a terrorist. let's head to washington where explain for us why this is going to be such a key vote. there are so many things that could go wrong essentially for micahjohnson. he has a very narrow majority with little room for error. around half a dozen to a dozen very hard line, far right house republicans who simply don't trust mikejohnson. there is one member is outwardly saying he will never vote for him and all it takes is one more freedom caucus, far right conservative to join freedo

michael van gerwen, when he was young, 17, he won the world masters and he won a lot of tournaments, ver thought they would be another michael van gerwen come along as quick as he did. we knew he played darts, different opens he won, played in the youth, and one thing and another, but on the ally pally stage last year, he hit everything he went for. he got to the final. people will say, oh, he's a bit lucky, but you can't say he is lucky when he gets to a final. and this year, he just ploughed through them like... it's amazing. i really enjoyed it. it was a match to remember. but then in sport, there are a lot of young guys that can play, footballers are very young, tennis players are very young, so why not dart players be that young? how does he cope with the pressure? let's return to the united states on a six—day state funeral of the 39th american presidentjimmy carter. he died last week at the age of 100. former secret site agent transported his remains to the hearse. client —— crowds —— crowds lined the streets. and that is when his motorcade arrived in atlanta, where it was rece

it's a different kind of pressure and michael van gerwen i5 different kind of pressure and michael van he hit nine 1805 by the fifth set yet he couldn't hold his throw and littler had raced into a 4—0 lead before the dutchman could 5cratch his head and find out what was going on up there. littler i5 5cratch his head and find out what was going on up there. littler is a really special talent. it's notjust in terms of his ability on the oche, his ability to deal with us, to deal with the media spotlight and the focus on him up there at 17. he dreamt of lifting the trophy since he first through a magnetic dart at the age of 18 months wearing a nappy and no magnets have been replaced by tungsten and it seems the midas touch. he told me last night he had never touched this trophy because he believed you shouldn't touch it until you had earned it. tonight, he finally got his hands on the biggest prize in dart5, a cheque for £500,000 no less and a place in the history books. stillju5t 17, all history books. stilljust17, all right, natalie pirk5, thank you, live at ally pally in north london.

world champion michael van gerwen. i'll be trying to learn a thing or two about darts in a few minutes�* time. uk government proposals for the long term funding of adult social care in england are unlikely to be ready until 2028. councils and care providers say it's too long to wait, with vital services already on their knees. here's alison holt. craig can spend hours each week driving 100 miles between his home and his parents to help look after them. his mother anne has dementia and needs constant care, his father is also struggling. we visited the family a year ago. then, they were getting nhs help. now, the family is paying the £1,500 a week bill for her care. the new independent commission aims to draw up a blueprint for an affordable care system for the future. but the pressures of staff shortages and underfunding are there now. mum's savings will run out at some point, clearly, so that's a worry. she's not going to get better, sadly, and if anything, dad's going to deteriorate as well. in england, anyone with sa

luke littler hopes to make history tonight if he can beat three—time former world champion michael van gerweno, i'm annita mcveigh. we start on the latest on the attack from new orleans which killed 1a people on new year's day. the white house has confirmed president biden will visit the city on monday. it comes as the brother of the man behind the attack says he's struggling to understand how shamsud—dinjabbar could have committed such an attack. the fbi say the army veteran acted alone and had declared his support for the group calling itself islamic state. in videos he made before the deadly attack, the 42—year—old talked about killing his family as well. speaking to our us partner, cbs news, 24—year—old abdurjabbar said he had no idea why his older half brother was in new orleans, and spoke of his shock at hearing the news. i'm still shocked by the whole thing. it still doesn't seem like it actually happened. ijust dropped my phone and crawled into a corner somewhere and started crying. this is completely out of character for him, you know, these actions. and they are also not any type of

luke littler has become the youngest ever world darts champion, after cruising to victory over michael van gerwennalist gave us their analysis. i really enjoyed it. the boy played really well. michael didn't play bad but he missed too many in the first set. he missed two darts and he missed another. he scored not bad, but he didn't get to a double quick enough. luke outscored him, so if you outscore your opponent, so you have time to go out on the shot, you are going to beat him, and that is what luke did. some use to finish double top, double ten. that double ten, it looked like he had a magnet in it. he didn't miss it all through the tournament. but he has a gift, a marvellous gift to play darts. for a young guy to do it is good for the game, really, because there are loads of youngsters out there want to be luke littler. he's a generational talent. um, obviously we've been around for a long time, and we saw this 13 or 14—year—old kid coming through the junior ranks, posting huge averages, and we knew he was special. but i don't think we quite understood how special until this time last year. a

darts sensation luke littler looks to make history tonight if he can beat three—time champion michael van gerwend welcome to the world today. we start on the latest on the attack in new orleans which killed 14 on the attack in new orleans which killed iii people on new year's day. presidentjoe biden has said he has spoken to the families of the victims, it comes at the white house has confirmed he will visit the city on monday. this is the brother of the man behind the attack saying he struggles on descent how he could have done the attack —— to understand. and videos he made before the deadly attack, the 42—year—old talked about telling his own family as well. speaking to our us partner, cbs news, the 24—year—old abdurjabbar said he had no idea why his half—brother was in new orleans and spoke of in shock hearing the news. and spoke of in shock hearing the news— and spoke of in shock hearing the new-— and spoke of in shock hearing the news. , . ., the news. this came as much of a shock to _ the news. this came as much of a shock to you _ the news. this came as much of a shock to you in _ the ne

points. 17—year—old luke �*the nuke' littler powers into the world darts final where he'll face michael van gerwenof katie boulter in a classic to seal poland's victory over great britain in the united cup. we start with football, and rangers may be trailing celtic in the scottish premiership but they got the bragging rights in the old firm derby with an emphatic 3—0 win. it was their manager phillipe clemont�*s first win in the fixture at the seventh time of asking. martin dowdon was watching. celtic enjoyed a iii—point gap heading into the fixture. the celtic manager tasted defeatjust once in 20 outings against the rangers coming into this, and the rangers manager had not beaten celtic in six attempts. it was all about to change. setting the rangers on the way, gathering it from nico and sending a crisp low shot right to the corner from 25 yards, just evading casper to the goal. they were rampant after that. next up, the cutting inside, a shot deflecting the defender, and striking the top of the course. celtic could not muster a response but almost got level just before half time. a fire towards

luke littler hopes to make history tonight if he can beat three—time former world champion michael van gerweno, i'm annita mcveigh. amber warnings for snow and ice have been issued for large areas of england and wales this weekend, after an arctic blast pushed temperatures to nearly minus eight degrees celsius overnight. the uk health security agency has warned that vulnerable and elderly people will be at risk. gritters were out through the night and into the early hours making sure the roads were clear and safe. back in october when the winter season started here, this whole area was full of salt, and it was as high as the top of the pile you can see there. here, they are constantly monitoring the situation on the roads and the weather forecast, to see how much salt they need to use each day. we do tailor what the actual gritters are putting on the roads, depending on the conditions, the temperatures, and that can be fed into the wagons, and then they dial up what is required, and the salt is dispensed accordingly. this is us watching in real—time. in the office is where they keep an eye on

semi—finals of the world darts is underway — chris dobey is taking on the three time champion, michael van gerwen to i — the first to six will book their place in the final. you can follow it live on the bbc sport website. the tournament favourite, 17 year old luke littler, takes on stephen bunting later. and that's all the sport for now. in a small area of eastern moldova, the new year celebrations were put on ice. quite literally. the separatist enclave of transnistria remains loyal to moscow. there's russian troops on the ground there and its economy is fully dependent on russian gas. for that loyalty, the gas comes free. but access to it comes via a transit route that passes ukraine. and that path was cut in the early hours of new year's day — an agreement which was signed in 2019 between kyiv and the russia energy giant gazprom expired. the ukrainian president refuses to extend it, and so the taps have been turned off. for now, only hospitals and critical infrastructure in transnistria are being heated. there's concerns over electricity too. the main power plant in kurchugan is already being

luke littler looks to make history tonight, as he sails into the world darts final against michael van gerweno, i'm geeta guru—murthy, welcome to bbc news now, three hours of fast—moving news, interviews and reaction. the brother of the man who killed 1a people in new orlans on new year's day has given an interview to our us partner cbs. in it he says he's struggling to understand how shamsud—din jabbar could have committed such an attack. the fbi say the army veteran acted alone and had declared his support for the islamic state group. in videos he made before the deadly attack, the 42—year—old talked about killing his family as well. now his half—brother, 24—year—old abdurjabbar, has given an interview. he said it was normal for his family not to spend holidays together, but he has no idea why his older brother was in new orleans. he spoke of his shock on receiving the phone call. he spoke to our us partner cbs. i'm still shocked by the whole thing. it still doesn't seem like it actually happened. ijust dropped my phone and crawled into a corner somewhere and started crying. this is complet

luke littler looks to make history tonight, if he can beat three—time former world champion michael van gerweno, i'm annita mcveigh. now with all the latest sport, here's hugh. hello from the bbc sport centre. it has been a fiery series between australia and india. and on day one of its final test, another moment of confrontation. increasingly at the centre of it all is the home side's teenage batter, sam konstas. barged into by virat kohli on debut in the last match, on friday he was the centre of attention again as a wicket fell with the final ball of the day in sydney. the 19—year—old finished the day at the crease and on the end of a particularly frosty stare from jasprit bumrah, captaining the side after rohit sharma dropped himself, who took the wicket of konstas�*s opening partner usman khawaja. the two were at odds over whether australia had been attempting to waste time in the closing overs to see out the day. and many of the india team celebrated in konstas�* direction, with scott boland claiming his teammate has got under india's skin. well, khawaja's wicket was the only success for

influence in growing it now includes a first world title, won by beating the three—time champion michael van gerwen asked whether littler had managed to get any sleep since. ijust nodded off as soon as i put my phone down and fell asleep. put my phone down and fell aslee -. . , put my phone down and fell aslee. .,, , ~ put my phone down and fell aslee. , ~ , put my phone down and fell| asleep-_ i asleep. has it sunk in yet? i don't know. _ asleep. has it sunk in yet? i don't know. no, _ asleep. has it sunk in yet? i don't know. no, not - asleep. has it sunk in yet? i don't know. no, not yet. - asleep. has it sunk in yet? i | don't know. no, not yet. you don't know. no, not yet. you don't play — don't know. no, not yet. you don't play darts _ don't know. no, not yet. you don't play darts for _ don't know. no, not yet. you don't play darts for the - don't know. no, not yet. you don't play darts for the money but you have won so much this year, how is it change your life? it year, how is it change your life? ., , year, how is it change your life? . ., , life? it has changed massively. i can now _ life

he claimed victory in london, last night, taking the record from his oppoment, michael van gerwen. met office says large parts of the uk could face disruption from heavy snow and freezing rain this weekend. it has issued two amber weather warnings in england and wales, predicting some areas could see up to a0 centimetres of snow and temperatures as low as minus ten celsius. the weather could lead to treacherous driving conditions, power cuts, and even some rural areas being cut off. bbc weather presenter ben rich told me what we can expect to see over the coming hours. i can show you what's going on if we take a look at some of our weather graphics. it is that cold air that's been in place across the uk for several days now. and then in the south of that picture, you can see some mild air trying to barge its way in, and air masses don't like to mix. so where the cold air and the mild air meets, we've got a weather system that is going to produce, yes, some outbreaks of rain, but as it runs into that cold air, we will see that quite significant snow in areas on the northern edge of

champion. from becoming the youngest ever now 17, he is taking on the three—times world champion michael van gerwenie pirks is there. last night, luke the nuke's game face was on as he breezed to a second consecutive world final. it means tonight he will once again attempt to become the youngest winner in the sport's history. try and sum up for us what it would mean to you and your family? it would mean everything but i don't know what the winning feeling is like. obviously, michael, he has done it three times and i know he's hungry for that fourth. i'm hungry for my first, so may the best man win. the bbc�*s recently crowned young sports personality has earned more than £1 million in prize money alone. at his first darts club where hejoined at nine alone. at his first darts club where he joined at nine years old they can't restock his £100 a pop darts at quick enough. they knew he was a precocious talent.— at quick enough. they knew he was a precocious talent. when he was 13 he was 'ust precocious talent. when he was 13 he was just too — precocious talent. when he was 13 he was just too good _ pre

he beat michael van gerwen who's a three time world champion. like he was just playing a small boy. and that's not to be disrespectful towards michael van gerwen because he played, he played as well as he possibly could do. but luke littler is different. gravy. he's absolutely a level above and congratulations to him. >> i'm not going to have my opinion on this. yes. go on. >> it's darts. it's the soul of britain. yeah i remember they banned walk on girls. >> i'm happy for him. >> i'm happy for him. >> they banned walk on girls at the darts, which enabled feminists to start enjoying their back again. >> by the way, are they back again? yeah, there's. there's pom poms. i think that's what they call them. >> this is where you're watching anyway. that's the front pages done. coming up. elon musk is in trouble for highlighting the grooming gang scandal. will they will they manage to shoot the messenger and why? trump doesn't want us to tax north sea oil? and is the government keeping us safe enough from terrorism? this is headliners only on gb welco

three time champion michael van gerwen plays chris dobey in the other semi final.ews — as agnes keleti, the oldest living olympic medal winner, has died. she was 103. keleti passed away after going into hospital with pneumonia a week ago. she won a total of 10 olympic medals in gymnastics, including five golds, for hungary at the 1952 helsinki games and the 1956 melbourne games. and that's all the sport for now. 0n the website you can keep up—to—date with all the latest news and we will have more for you later. goodbye. from march to magic and music to bradford, will take centre stage this year. the year—long programme of events will feature the likes of david hockney, from the city. and will aim to try to challenge the perceptions. it is your own fault. don't want no negative talk. who else is it going to be? southampton. the uk city of culture is southampton? don't make me laugh. what is up with southampton? i have never been. but it is not bradford.— but it is not bradford. yes, bradford. _ but it is not bradford. yes, bradford, and _ but it is not bradford. yes

he beat the three—time world champion michael van gerwen comfortably — seven sets to three.er said it was an inspirational performance under immense pressure. you're watching bbc news. from all of us in washington, dc have a very good day. goodbye for now. hello. if you have travel plans this weekend, it's probably worth keeping an eye on the weather forecast because wintry weather could cause some quite significant disruption. met office amber warnings have been issued for snow and ice during the weekend, particularly covering parts of wales, the midlands and up into northern england as we head through saturday night and on into sunday. so what's going on? well, cold air has set in across the uk, this cold arctic air sitting in place. and then from the southwest, some milder air tries to make a move. and along the boundary between the two, we have this weather front. as this weather front moves into the cold air, well, it is that that will generate some significant snow for some of us, but also some rain down towards the south as things turn milder. saturday morning, though

into darting history, and taken the sport to another level, with a crushing 7—3 victory, over michael van gerwenhip winner, in front of roaring crowds at alexandra palace. the 17—year—old was in unstoppable form. this result never really looked in doubt as he raced into a 4—0 lead, and despite van gerwen getting three sets on the board, he never really threatened a comeback with littler always comfortably in front. van gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won the first of his three world titles in 2014, aged 24. however, littler smashed that record, as he swept aside his dutch opponent at alexandra palace. it's been crazy. just looking up it's been crazy. just looking up at all the kids with my shirt on, obviously the 180 cards that they want signed. it's good to see and ally pally was rocking. it might go down as the best with michael but to get a win over the player that michael is, who has been around for years and years, and obviously he was hoping for his fourth title. but i so wanted my first and i got it. tottenham manager ange postecoglu says he has got no problem with midfi

luke littler has become the youngest ever world darts champion, after cruising to victory over michael van gerwen in london. the 17—year—old threw 12 180s in the match, to claim the £0.5 million prize. littler shot to fame last year when he finished runner up in the event aged just 16, but the teenagerfrom warrington, in the north—west of england, pulled through as the favourite to go one better this year. our sports correspondent natalie pirks was there. cheering and applause. first came the cheers, then came the tears for a destiny realised atjust17. it felt like i was at home. just settled so well throughout the tournament and tonight i just didn't feel any nerves up until the last leg, when i started shaking a bit. i said, "you've not shook all game, don't do it now". it was the fairy tale final all fans wanted — the experienced icon versus the new idol. and it was the nuke who settled quickest. misses from van gerwen were proving costly and littler was making hay. commentator: he is finding double ten - tonight, luke littler. mvg was left in shock as with his trusty double ten, littler raced

at only half the age of his opponent, luke the nuke beat michael van gerwen 7—3, claiming the £500,000

luke littler has set up the dream final everyone wanted against michael van gerwen, the three—time championback finals and yeah, i can't wait to get on stage again tomorrow.- can't wait to get on stage again tomorrow. luke littler can't yet _ again tomorrow. luke littler can't yet legally _ again tomorrow. luke littler can't yet legally buy - again tomorrow. luke littler can't yet legally buy a - again tomorrow. luke littler can't yet legally buy a pint . again tomorrow. luke littler| can't yet legally buy a pint of beer, yet the favourite for the title is just one match away from becoming the youngest world champion the sport has ever seen. after ending a year to remember, he could well start the new one with a place in history right here. natalie pirks, bbc news, alexandra palace. now it's time for a look at the weather with sarah keith lucas. hello. it has been a cold, frosty start to the day and we're going to see this cold snap continuing right through the middle of next week. so some potentially disruptive weather on the way into the weekend. sharp frosts, risk of some icy conditions

michael van gerwen, - is through. one littler, the other older. michael van gerwen, the l older. three—time champion, against luke littler, the sport's new sensation. the ending will be show business. it'll be massive for myself. he's going in for his fourth title, i'm going in for his fourth title, i'm going in for my first — and obvious it's been a while since michael picked up a trophy. i’zfe it's been a while since michael picked up a trophy.— it's been a while since michael picked up a trophy. i've been in this position — picked up a trophy. i've been in this position a _ picked up a trophy. i've been in this position a few— picked up a trophy. i've been in this position a few more - picked up a trophy. i've been in this position a few more times. i picked up a trophy. i've been in - this position a few more times. the moment_ this position a few more times. the moment people don't believe in me, thais— moment people don't believe in me, that's the _ moment people don't believe in me, that's the moment i have to keep fighting _ that's the moment i have to keep fighting and ke

and luke littler has made darting history with a 7 to 3 victory over michael van gerwen to become theoungest ever pdc world championship winner. the 17 year old raced to a four to nil lead over michael van gerwen and despite van der gerwen getting three sets on the board, he never really threatened a comeback. it was a success at the second opportunity for littler, who lost last year's final aged 16. >> as soon as that win in double went in, i knew back to back finals. but yeah, just finish here speaking to you guys. it's just chill out, reset, reset the batteries and go again tomorrow. >> 105 average. there some incredible finishes when you're playing at that level. do you feel unbeatable up there? >> i felt very, very confident tonight. it's i wouldn't say the best i felt the best i felt was against nathan in the quarterfinals. but i'm just glad that i'm playing with confidence. >> those are the latest gb news headlines. now it's back to dawn for the very latest gb news direct to your smartphone, sign up to news alerts by scanning the qr code or go to gbnews.com/alerts. >> thank you

well, because he's obviously making the sport more popular. >> and you were saying earlier, michael van gerwen the guy that he was competing against 25, he was when he first became. yeah, he was already the youngest. yeah. >> so yeah. michael van gerwen, who was the runner up last night, was actually a world champion in 2014. he's 39 now, the age of 25 i think. >> yes that's right give or take. don't quote us on that. >> absolutely incredible. so don't forget we want to hear from you throughout the show today. we'd love to hear what you think. so send your views and post your comments by visiting gbnews.com/yoursay. >> but before we do anything else, sophia wenzler, a very keen darter herself, has all the news headlines. >> so i'm tatiana. thank you. good morning. these are your headunes good morning. these are your headlines from the gb newsroom. a 31 year old british man is one of 14 people who were killed when an alleged islamic state supporter drove a truck into crowds celebrating the new year in new orleans, the met police have confirmed. edward pettyfer, from west london, was killed in t

he was the 11 to 4 odds on favourite, but michael van gerwen has won three world titles.e didn't actually perform last night that badly. he averaged over 100 throughout. >> he's had a bad year. >> he's had a bad year. >> he's had a bad year. >> he has. he has. but he was he was the holder of the record for the youngest player to win it in 2014, aged 2025. luke littler beats it by well over six years. >> i mean, he's a sensation, isn't he? i know, and he's going to be more and more of a sensation, because you can see that he's got a long career ahead of him. >> well, you can also. that was the biggest match of his life last night. yes. he'd had extraordinary success throughout the year. he'd got to the final last year, of course, losing to luke humphries who went out in the fourth round this time. but that was the biggest match of his life and he just breezed it. >> and if you see the front page of the mirror not talking about politics, they're talking about darts. isn't that incredible? saying it is that he is now a nice little earner, and he will go on being an even nice

he is up against the three—time champion michael van gerwen, who also looks really impressive in his l last night. in fact, michael van gerwen holds the record as the world championship because youngest ever winner. he was 2a when he won his first world title, but remember, luke littler is just 17. first world title, but remember, luke littler isjust17. so if he does win the final tonight, it will be a truly historic achievement. it be a truly historic achievement. it certainly will. big night ahead. thanks, andy. as the festive period draws to a close and the decorations are being packed away for another year, one zoo in bristol is giving old christmas trees a new home. noah's ark farm zoo runs its own recycling scheme, putting the unwanted branches and chippings to good use. 0ur reporter fiona lamdin has more. christmas may be over, the decorations may be coming down but here at this zoo near bristol, they've found another use for your well—loved christmas tree. and for the bears, they've coated the branches in honey. we can use the trees with the bears in lots of different ways. to

at only half the age of his opponent, luke the nuke beat michael van gerwen 7—3, claiming the £500,000ing the trophy for the very first time. our sports correspondent natalie perks was there. cheering and applause. first came the cheering, then came the tears. for a destiny realised, and just 17. the tears. for a destiny realised, andjusti7. it the tears. for a destiny realised, and just 17-— and just 17. it felt like i was at home, and just 17. it felt like i was at home. just — and just 17. it felt like i was at home, just settled _ and just 17. it felt like i was at home, just settled so - and just 17. it felt like i was at home, just settled so well - home, just settled so well throughout the tournament and i didn't feel any nerves up until the last leg, when i started shaking a bit. i had not sure all game and i told myself not to do it now. it was the fairy tale _ told myself not to do it now. it was the fairy tale final— told myself not to do it now. it was the fairy tale final all— told myself not to do it now. it was the fairy tale final all fans - the fairy tale final all fan

the 17 year old will face michael van gerwen, chasing his fourth title in tonight's blockbuster finalf the world darts championship. littler has dominated the tournament so far with record breaking performances. the pairs head to head, though, is tied at six six, setting up for a thrilling showdown later between darts rising star and one of its all time greats. those are the latest headlines. i'll be back with you in an hour. now, though, it's over to ben for the very latest gb news direct to your smartphone, sign up to news alerts by scanning the qr code or go to gbnews.com/alerts. >> hello, welcome along and good evening to you in just a moment, the reform uk leader nigel farage will address a sold out arena of reform uk members. just arena of reform uk members. just a few hours ago, the former conservative mp marco longhi defected to reform and a mega poll released tonight predicts labour will haemorrhage voters to the party if they don't shape up their immigration strategy. but all eyes are on the party's leader, nigel farage, and his promise to confront kemi badenoch. after accus

the 17 year old will face michael van gerwen, chasing his fourth title in tonight's blockbuster finalthe world darts championship. littler has dominated the tournament so far with record breaking performances, but the pairs head to head is currently tied six six. setting up for that thrilling showdown later between darts rising star and one of its all time greats, those are the latest headlines for now. more in an hour. now, though, it's over to lee for the very latest gb news direct to your smartphone. >> sign up to news alerts by scanning the qr code or go to gbnews.com/alerts. >> welcome to lee anderson's real world. i'm lee anderson, reform uk member of parliament for ashfield, and joining me once again this week is doctor lisa mckenzie, a self—proclaimed anarchist. that's right. and he's back. and he is a what.7 >> a&e true genius. a local man, local local man. >> he's been a scaffolder. he's done all sorts. and you've been accusing our guests of being a waspi woman? >> i would never, i would say accuse is a strong word. accuses. it's a bit awkward, and i apologise on her. i'm si

the 17 year old will face michael van gerwen, chasing his fourth title in friday's blockbuster finalf the world darts championship. littler has dominated the tournament so far, with record breaking performances, and the pairs head to head is currently tied six six. setting up for a thrilling showdown between darts rising star and one of its greats. those are the latest headunes greats. those are the latest headlines for now. one other very, very experienced darts player is, of course, miriam cates. >> for the very latest gb news direct to your smartphone, sign up to news alerts by scanning the qr code or go to gbnews.com/alerts. >> welcome back to dewbs& co with me, miriam cates, and joining me until 7:00. i've got my panel with me here in the studio. i've got daniel moylan, conservative life peer, house of lords and bill rammell, former labour minister. and of course, please do get your news and views in at gbnews.com/yoursay. we'll be reading out a selection of your comments throughout the programme. now our first story. the government has announced the first step towards creating

the 17 year old has already raced to a40 lead over michael van gerwen in tonight's thrilling showdownetween dance rising star and one of its all time greats. those are the latest headlines. i'll be back with you in an houn i'll be back with you in an hour. now that it's over to patrick for the very latest gb news direct to your smartphone, sign up to news alerts by scanning the qr code or go to gbnews.com/alerts. >> welcome along everybody. so nigel farage has just spoken at reform uk's east midlands conference this evening in leicester. ahead of that speech, gb news political editor christopher hope spoke to nigel about something very interesting really, because it doesn't matter which way you look at this, it doesn't matter whose side you're on. this is going to be one of the key political battles of modern times. so this is nigel farage's view on elon musk's support for tommy robinson. >> he's very supportive of me. he's very supportive of the party. he sees robinson as one of these people that fought against the grooming gangs. but of course, the truth is tommy robinson is in pris