British TV staple Bullseye will return to ITV with new host Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, a legendary England cricketer getting the gig to host it.
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Flintoff will take over from the late comedian Jim Bowen who front the ITV game show from 1981 and 1995. The show will be revived once more after being brought back in various guises over the years including with Richard Ashdown as the referee taking the role of Tony Green. The latter sadly passed away in 2024 so it will be the first revival in full to not include the former BDO commentator.
It tests the darts skills of the contestants as well as general knowledge competing for cash and prizes including infamously a speedboat and other such items which are unconventional to use. Also many top dart players previously appeared on the show in challenges some before they turned professional.
Flintoff who takes the mantle is also known for presenting Top Gear albeit a crash while filming the series saw him left with facial and rib injuries which has left him struggling with anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks.
But he seems to be heading back to some semblance of normality with coaching gigs in cricket as well as now presenting Bullseye with prospective participants asked to sign up which has been shared by the PDC. It was previously revived in 2006 with comedian Dave Spikey presenting the program but cancelled after two series due to poor ratings. But will now be brought back nearly ten years later with re-runs constantly shown on UK channel Challenge.
“I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid,” 46-year-old Flintoff said in a statement given to the Sun newspaper. "I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special."
“You can’t beat a bit of Bully,” echoing Bowen’s iconic catchphrase.
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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