Bullseye is set to make a full-time return to ITV later this year as the Christmas special was such a huge hit for the channel. It’s also set to be presented by Freddie Flintoff
ITV is set to bring back Bullseye permanently, with a series planned for later this year and Freddie Flintoff expected to take on the role of full-time host. The revived darts gameshow, which was previously hosted by Jim Bowen in the 80s and 90s, proved to be a massive hit for the channel over the festive period.
This success convinced ITV bosses to push for its return, contingent on Freddie’s agreement to step into the hosting role – a deal that now appears to be close to completion.
A TV insider told The Sun: “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.
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“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.”
The Christmas special aired on the Sunday before Christmas, and the plan is to bring it back for Sunday teatime slots, just as it was during its peak.
This comes after the rebooted show was revealed to be ITV’s most-watched programme during the week it aired, putting pressure on the channel to deliver a full series following the positive response from viewers.
Over 3.3 million tuned in to see Freddie take on the presenting role once held by the late Jim Bowen, with both critics and viewers praising the Ashes hero.
One viewer commented on X, formerly Twitter, that: “This already deserves a new series commissioned. They haven’t messed with the original format whatsoever and it shows. Flint One viewer enthused: “Loved the Bullseye reboot. Freddie Flintoff is a great presenter and as handsome as ever.
Some fans even dubbed it “The Luke Littler Show” due to the teenage darts prodigy’s standout performance on the programme, where he scored a perfect 180 with his first three throws.
The holiday special was a hit, topping ITV’s ratings over the weekend and outperforming long-standing shows like The Chase and The 1% Club.