Darts world champion Peter Wright has finally broken his silence, confirming the swirling rumors about his relationship with transgender darts star Noa-Lynn Van Leuven.
In an exclusive interview, the 54-year-old Scottish star – known for his colorful mohawks and flamboyant stage presence – admitted that the speculation was true.
“Yes, me and Noa-Lynn are together,” Wright said. “The rumors are true. I know it’s surprised a lot of people, but when you know, you know.”
Van Leuven, 27, made history last year as the first transgender woman to win a PDC Tour card and has since become one of the most talked-about figures in the sport. The Dutch player has faced both fierce support and intense criticism during her rise.
Wright, the 2020 and 2022 PDC World Champion, said he was drawn to Van Leuven’s resilience.
“She’s taken more flak than anyone I know and never once backed down. That takes guts — more than hitting a double 18 under pressure,” he added.
The pair were first spotted together at a players’ event in Milton Keynes last month, but Wright had previously dismissed the claims as “gossip.”
Van Leuven, who transitioned in 2021, told reporters she was “overwhelmed but happy” that Wright had gone public.
“Peter has been a huge support. He doesn’t care about the headlines — he cares about people,” she said.
The news has divided darts fans. Social media lit up with both celebration and condemnation, with some calling the couple “brave” and others questioning the age gap and the sport’s policies on transgender athletes.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has not commented, though a spokesperson reiterated that Van Leuven continues to meet all eligibility requirements for women’s events.
Wright, who is known for his unpredictable character both on and off the oche, was unapologetic.
“People will talk — that’s fine. But when I step up to that oche, it’s about the arrows. And right now, I’ve thrown my lot in with Noa-Lynn. That’s the only 180 that matters to me.”
