Freddie Flintoff poised to make massive TV return in ‘no-brainer’ ITV reboot
Exciting news!
Freddie Flintoff is tipped to make a big return to TV after hosting the Christmas special of Bullseye in December last year.
While the programme was a one-off – marking a return for the ITV series after it originally premiered in 1981 – it now appears it’s going to making a permanent comeback.
The darts gameshow is reportedly going to be coming back on a permanent basis, with former Top Gear star Freddie back at the helm.
The show originally premiered in 1981, with Jim Bowen presenting for 14 years, before it had a brief revival in 2006 with Dave Spikey.
According to a source, after last year’s festive special with the cricketing legend, it was a ‘no-brainer’ to bring the beloved show back officially.
‘This was a no-brainer for ITV but they knew that a big part of the success of the Christmas special was down to its new host,’ they told The Sun.
Jim Bowen was the original host of the show (Picture: Challenge TV) The former cricketer shared how much he loved Bullseye as a kid (Picture: ITV / Bullseye)‘So they’ve spent the past two months trying to convince him to take the plunge and it looks like Freddie is ready to make the commitment.’
It’s been claimed that when Bullseye is brought back, the aim will be for it to air on a Sunday at teatime, just like it did when it was originally broadcast.
When it was first announced that Freddie would be hosting the one-off special, he shared how much the original programme had meant to him.
‘I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid,’ he said at the time.
‘I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special.’
The 47-year-old added: ‘You can’t beat a bit of Bully,’ recalling Jim’s famous catchphrase.
Freddie was joined by darts legend Luke Littler on the show (Picture: Rachel Joseph/ITV)The Bullseye Christmas special saw darts breakout star Luke Littler join him as a celebrity guest.
Fans raved over the festive episode, with one called Matt writing on X: ‘Was great fun! Best reboot ITV has done in ages! Deserves full series get ITV regular Sunday night shows more often.’
Rob added: ‘‘Bullseye is everything that I hoped it would be and once was, the proper working-class gameshow that makes you smile. Freddie works perfect for this show, too.’
David wrote: ‘I really enjoyed Christmas Bullseye. ITV please bring it back for good,’ while another David remarked: ‘What fun to have Bullseye back on TV! Freddie is a great host. Hope ITV will commission a full series.’
It seems their prayers have been answered!
Metro has contacted ITV for comment.
Bullseye is available to watch on ITVX.
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