Freddie Flintoff to host reboot of 80s ITV series in huge TV comeback-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Freddie Flintoff has landed himself a huge new presenting gig (Picture: Philip Brown/Getty Images)

Freddie Flintoff has been lined up to present the return of a huge ITV game show nearly half a century after it first aired.

The Field of Dreams star, 46, will front darts-themed quiz show Bullseye for a Christmas TV special.

He is taking over from late comedian Jim Bowen, who fronted the programme from 1981 until 1995.

‘I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid,’ the former Top Gear presenter said.

‘I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special.’

Echoing Bowen’s catchphrase, Freddie added: ‘You can’t beat a bit of Bully.’

He will be hosting a revival of 80s darts-themed gameshow Bullseye (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Bullseye first hit screens in 1981 and ran for 14 years (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Freddie last appeared on TV in a BBC documentary called Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams On Tour in August, where he first spoke about a crash while filming Top Gear.

The crash, which left the former England cricketer with facial and rib injuries, happened at the motoring show’s test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, in December 2022.

The BBC later announced it had ‘rested’ Top Gear for the foreseeable future.

In the documentary, Freddie admitted it had been ‘a lot harder than I thought’ to shake off the crash, as he had been struggling with anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks.

Flintoff has most recently presented BBC documentary Field of Dreams (Picture: BBC One)

ITV also reportedly held talks with Paddy about taking over Bullseye (Picture: Carla Speight/Getty Images)

Since then, has made a steady return to the public eye, rejoining England’s backroom staff for their T20 series against the West Indies earlier this year, and as head coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

It was previously claimed that ITV was eyeing up Paddy McGuinness to front Bullseye with a source saying there had been talks.

It was also said that 17-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler is to thank for the revival as since becoming an overnight sensation, he’s got the nation hooked on the game again.

Bullseye first hit screens in 1981 and ran for 14 years.

Flintoff suffered serious injuries after being involved in a crash while filming Top Gear (Picture: Geoff Pugh/REX/Shutterstock)

The dartboard quiz game tested contestants’ darts skills as well as their general knowledge.

Three pairs of contestants, consisting of an amateur darts player and quizzer competed for cash and prizes, walking away with cars and caravans galore.

In 2006, Challenge TV brought it back after ITV scrapped it, but it failed to gain popularity.

With comedian Dave Spikey at the helm, the show was cut again after two series.

Metro has contacted ITV and Freddie’s reps for comment.

Bullseye is returning to ITV and ITVX this Christmas.

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