British dart-themed quiz show Bullseye is making a comeback to ITV, with former cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff set to host, as reported by Wales Online. Flintoff will be stepping into the shoes of the late comedian Jim Bowen, who fronted the popular game show from 1981 to 1995. The return of Bullseye will be in the form of a Christmas TV special.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, 46-year-old Flintoff mentioned that Bullseye was among his favourite shows as a child. He stated that hosting the Christmas special was a dream come true for him, saying, “You can’t beat a bit of Bully,” a nod to Bowen’s iconic catchphrase. Flintoff’s return to television follows his appearance in a BBC documentary, “Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams On Tour,” where he opened up about a crash during the filming of Top Gear that left him with injuries.
Flintoff revealed that the aftermath of the crash had been challenging, leading to struggles with anxiety and flashbacks. Despite these difficulties, he has been gradually reintegrating into the public eye, rejoining England’s backroom staff for a T20 series against the West Indies and taking on the role of head coach for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
Bullseye, known for testing contestants’ darts skills and general knowledge as they vie for cash and prizes, enjoyed a revival on Challenge TV in 2006 with comedian Dave Spikey as the host. The show was, however, cancelled after two series. With Flintoff now at the helm, fans eagerly anticipate the return of this beloved classic to their screens, adding a fresh twist to a nostalgic favourite.
The announcement of Bullseye’s return with Freddie Flintoff as the host has sparked excitement and anticipation among viewers, who are eager to see how the former cricketer will bring his own flair to the iconic game show. As preparations for the Christmas special get underway, fans of Bullseye can look forward to a festive treat filled with dart-throwing action and entertaining challenges, all under the charismatic guidance of Freddie Flintoff.