Freddie Flintoff beams in first look at ITV reboot of hit 80s game show-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

First look images of the Bullseye revival, hosted by Freddie Flintoff, have been released (Picture: Philip Brown/ Getty Images)

A beloved game show that last aired 18 years ago will be returning in just a few weeks with Freddie Flintoff at the helm.

First hitting screens in 1981, Bullseye was originally presented by Jim Bowen.

The darts-themed series saw three teams of contestants, which each consisted of an amateur darts player and a trivia expert, competing against each other to win cash and prizes, which included cars, caravans and luxury holidays, as well as less impressive items like sets of darts, goblets and rubber dolls of the show’s mascot, Bully.

Initially running for 14 years, a revival was then released in 2006, hosted by Dave Spikey.

A few months ago, it was announced Freddie would be taking over for a Christmas TV special, with the former Top Gear host saying the series was one of his childhood favourites.

Ahead of the episode, two images have been released, with the first showing Freddie on set posting with a trophy of Bully.

The former cricketer and Top Gear host is fronting the beloved game show now (Picture: IITV)

The special will also feature professional darts player Luke Littler (Picture: ITV)

The other shows Fredde watching on as professional darts player Luke Littler (the ‘thrower’) launches a dart while his teammate (the ‘knower’) looks on nervously.

It is believed the classic format and look of the show hasn’t been altered too much.

‘Devotees of the darts show will be thrilled and relieved that producers have gone for the approach of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”,’ a source told The Sun.

‘The studio has had a bit of a 21st-century glow-up, and of course having Freddie and Luke fronting the reboot gives it another modern edge.

The original series was hosted by Jim Bowen from 1989 until 1995 (Picture:
ITV/ Rex/ Shutterstock)

‘But so many of the traditional elements of the programme are still in place that it’s going to feel hugely nostalgic.’

When the special was announced, Paddy shared: ‘I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special. You can’t beat a bit of Bully!’

Meanwhile production company 12 Yard’s managing director Michael Mannes said they were ‘delighted to have acquired the rights to one of the most iconic game shows ever’.

‘And the timing could not be better considering the popularity of darts. Freddie is the perfect host for it, and we can’t wait for the show to be back on ITV,’ he added.

Freddie said the game show was a ‘childhood favourite’ (Picture: PA)

During its peak, Bullseye regularly attracted more than 20 million viewers each night.

It has not yet been confirmed if a full reboot series has been commissioned.

Freddie’s last TV appearance was in the BBC documentary Freddie Flintoff’s Field Of Dreams On Tour, which aired in August and saw him taking a team of aspiring young cricketers from his hometown of Preston on a tour of India.

It was previously claimed that ITV had been considering Freddie’s former Top Gear co-host Paddy McGuinness as the host of the Bullseye revival with a source saying there had been talks with the comedian and presenter too.

Bullseye airs on Saturday December 22 at 6pm on ITV1.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More