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ITV’s Bullseye reboot ‘is set to bring back THAT iconic prize, get a glitzy studio makeover and boast a star-studded lineup as Freddie Flintoff takes the helm of show’s festive return’

BBG News

As a lifelong fan of Bullseye, the news that Freddie Flintoff is taking the helm for ITV’s reboot has sent me into a frenzy of excitement! Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I can vividly remember the thrill of watching Jim Bowen spin the wheel and hearing his legendary catchphrase “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!

Earlier this year, it became public knowledge that Freddie Flintoff, a previous cricketer and host of Top Gear, will lead the revival of Bullseye on ITV.

Now, it’s clear that the revamped version will maintain some characteristics from the classic darts game show, such as the beloved speedboat feature.

Originally airing on ITV during the 1980s, this popular TV series made a comeback in 2006, with Dave Spikey stepping into the host’s position.

Instead, during the Christmas 2024 special, Freddie, who is 46 years old, will be seated in the host’s chair. Meanwhile, the young entertainer, Luke Littler, aged 17, is set to join as one of the esteemed guests.

In the ’80s and ’90s, comedian Jim Bowen hosted the show, and a speedboat often served as the main prize.

According to new photos from The Sun, a sleek, new watercraft graces the Manchester studio with its presence.

The central, rotating element, with rewards to strive for on one face and a conventional gameboard on the opposite side, remains unchanged as well.

Just like the old days, contestants will also get a Bendy Bully as well as darts and a tankard. 

An insider from the TV industry shared with The Sun that fans of the darts program can expect to be both excited and reassured, as the producers have chosen to maintain the current format, a strategy often referred to as “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

The studio has undergone a significant update that feels very contemporary. Plus, with Freddie and Luke leading the revival, it adds a fresh, contemporary twist to the project.

Despite several new changes, you’ll find a lot of familiar aspects from the past in this program, making it feel incredibly nostalgic.

TopMob has contacted ITV for comment.  

The former Top Gear host was also pictured shaking hands with Luke as the pair visited the studio. 

In January, it was announced that the ITV executives might revive the popular darts-themed game show on TV due to Luke’s captivating impact on the sport, rekindling national interest.

2024 World Darts Championship’s first runner-up was darts ace Luke, who was outplayed by top-ranked player Luke Humphries in their game.

Despite Luke experiencing a disheartening conclusion in the tournament, the championship final attracted a record-breaking 4.8 million viewers on Sky Sports, making it their most popular non-soccer event broadcast to date.

But it’s believed that Luke’s swift and impressive ascent significantly influenced ITV executives’ choice to revive the program.

The program, airing from 1981 to 1995 and attracting viewers numbering up to 20 million, presents three sets of contestants – one dart player coupled with a trivia expert in each set. These teams engage in both darts matches and quiz competitions to secure monetary rewards and prizes.

This special edition will see Luke and others competing to win money for charity.

A confidential source shared with The Sun last month: “Luke was not yet born when Bullseye graced our TVs with its original host, Jim Bowen. However, it’s clear that Luke recognizes the significance of securing such an esteemed role.

When he approaches the dartboard’s throwing line, also known as the ‘oche’, he feels a sense of continuity with darting greats like Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson, both of whom tossed their darts during the show’s golden years in the 1980s.

I’m thrilled to be part of the team behind the latest Bullseye, given that I’ve now become one of the most recognized players in Britain.

It’s expected that the upcoming Christmas special will receive sufficient interest for a complete series to be commissioned next year.

After learning he would be hosting the show, Freddie expressed his excitement by saying: “As a child, Bullseye was one of my favorite TV programs. It’s hard for me to fully grasp that I’ll actually have the chance to be its host.

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2024-11-09 04:18

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