Cross, 27, shocked the darting world by downing Michael van Gerwen 6-5 to move into the New Year's Day final.

There he will meet Taylor who made light work of Jamie Lewis to win 6-1 himself in the first semi-final.

But Cross, speaking seconds after walking off the Alexandra Palace stage, has admitted the match-up was called by The Power back in November.

He said: "Phil said to me at the Grand Slam 'me and you in the final' at the World Championship and that's come true now.

"He's my favourite player actually, he was dominant and now he's leaving.

"It's going to be special for him but I've got to do my own job to do what I can to win this game."

Cross was a nobody 12 months ago but he is now just a match away from becoming the world champion.

It caps off an incredible 12 months for the man who has now moved up to number six in the world.

After his win over Van Gerwen, Cross said: "At a point I felt inexperienced, I really did, but I still got through.

"Tomorrow I will make sure I'm right again

"I believe in my own ability and I actually believe I can keep with Michael every day.

"There are other factors there which don't allow me to do so and it's the comfortability. I feel I can be better than what I am but that needs to come to the show.

"In fairness we are trying not to look at rankings. Unless I am No 1 they don't mean anything.

"This is just amazing. i never expected this rise I really didn't. I was just a working boy from a normal household.

"I believe in my own ability and who's to say there's not another person that can't come and do all this? It's possible, anything's possible."