Netflix have released a statement amid allegations that their upcoming show, ‘Beat Luke Littler’, has been fixed.

Earlier in the month, the popular streaming service announced they have offered everyday players in the United Kingdom a chance to beat world number one Luke Littler and take home prize money totalling £501,000.

It was originally billed that amateur darts players around the country would get the chance to take on Littler over one leg of 501.

However, when the line-up was announced, it included names such as Fallon Sherrock, who made history when she became the only female to win a PDC World Darts Championship match and Ashley Coleman, who made his name on YouTube and regularly competes on the Challenge Tour.

As a result, Netflix have faced heavy criticism that the show has been fixed because it includes these well-known players.

Netflix Release Statement Amid Claims 'Beat Luke Littler' Is Fixed

According to a recent report by City AM, Netflix have stated that every player involved in the live show had to wait around in queues for heats in London and Manchester, including the professionals.

A spokesperson for Netflix claimed: “The application and audition process for Beat Luke Littler was exactly the same for everyone and open only to people aged 12 and over who do not hold – and have never held – a PDC Tour Card.

“The final 24 that have been selected for the chance to face Luke this week, all queued up to compete in the heats in London or Manchester, respectively, and managed to complete a leg of 501 in 24 darts or less to prove their darting ability.”

Ahead of the show on Friday, which will be broadcast live on Netflix, Littler’s opponents will include a Nando’s restaurant manager, a bin collector, a former British Army captain and some PDC-ranked players.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Mitchell Lawrie, who has been tipped to become the next Littler, will also look to take home the life-changing prize money.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the event, Lawrie admitted that he hopes he can get the chance to play Littler before other ‘big-name’ players.

He said: “If someone has already beaten Littler, that's the show done.

“There's a bundle of good players in there and you're just hoping you get a chance before they get a chance. There's a few big names I want to go before.

“Everybody there has a chance at the end of the day. He is obviously the best player in the world so it may be only one leg of darts but it is a very hard leg to win.”