ITV’s Bullseye reboot ‘is about to deliver again THAT iconic prize, get a glitzy studio makeover and boast a star-studded lineup as Freddie Flintoff takes the helm of present’s festive return’
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It was announced earlier this year that former cricketer and Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff would be at the helm of ITV’s brand new Bullseye reboot.
And now, it has been revealed that the revival is set to retain several features of the original darts game show – including the much-loved speedboat.
The TV show originally aired throughout the 80s on ITV and was recently revived in 2006, with Dave Spikey taking on the hosting role.
However, for the Christmas 2024 special, Freddie, 46, will be in the presenting chair with teen sensation Luke Littler, 17, appearing as one of the star-studded guests.
Comic Jim Bowen presented the show in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and a speedboat was regularly wheeled out as a star prize.
It was announced earlier this year that former cricketer and Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff would be at the helm of ITV’s brand new Bullseye reboot (pictured September)
And now, it has been revealed that the revival is set to retain several features of the original darts game show – including the much-loved speedboat (Jim Bowen pictured)
In new pictures obtained by The Sun, a shiny new boat has now taken pride in the Manchester studio.
The revolving centrepiece, featuring prizes to aim for on one side and a traditional board on the other, is also still intact.
Just like the old days, contestants will also get a Bendy Bully as well as darts and a tankard.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘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.”‘
‘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.’
‘But so many of the traditional elements of the programme are still in place that it’s going to feel hugely nostalgic.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
The former Top Gear host was also pictured shaking hands with Luke as the pair visited the studio.
However, for the Christmas 2024 special, Freddie, 46, will be in the presenting chair with teen sensation Luke Littler, 17, (seen in January) appearing as one of the star-studded guests
It was reported in January that ITV bosses were considering bringing the darts-themed game show back to television screens after Luke got the nation gripped by the sport again.
Darts hero Luke finished as the runner-up in the 2024 World Darts Championship after World Number One Luke Humphries powered past him in the match.
It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Luke – but 4.8 million viewers tuned in to watch the match in an achievement which made the Championship final Sky Sports’ most-watched non-football event ever.
However, Luke’s incredible and rapid rise is said to have played a big factor in the decision by ITV chiefs to bring the show back.
The show, which ran from 1981 to 1995 and drew audiences of up to 20 million, features three pairs of contestants, each consisting of a darts player and a quizzer, competing in darts games and quizzes to win cash and prizes.
This special edition will see Luke and others competing to win money for charity.
An insider told The Sun last month: ‘Luke wasn’t even born when Bullseye was on our screens with original host, Jim Bowen. But Luke knows this is a plum role to have landed.’
The programme was made famous by the late Jim Bowen when it ran on ITV from 1981 to 1995 (Jim pictured on the show in the 80s)
‘As he steps up to the Bullseye oche he knows he’s following in the footsteps of legends including Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson who all threw darts on the programme in its 1980s heyday.’
‘It’s also a coup for the makers of the new Bullseye as Luke is now one of Britain’s best-known players.’
The hope is that the Christmas episode will be popular enough to green-light a full series next year.
Speaking after his role on the show was announced, Freddie said: ‘Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this.’
