Freddie Flintoff lands major TV job as iconic 80s game show returns after 27 years

ITV is set to bring back the darts-themed quiz show Bullseye, 27 years after it went off the air, with Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff tipped to be the new host of the show

The much-loved darts-themed quiz show Bullseye is set for a revival on ITV, with Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff in talks to host the show. The former England cricket star is said to be stepping into the role made famous by the late Jim Bowen for a festive special edition of the programme, which entertained audiences from 1981 until 1995.

Flintoff, 46, expressed his excitement to the Sun newspaper, saying: "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."

Paying tribute to Bowen, Flintoff also echoed the popular catchphrase: "You can't beat a bit of Bully."

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In another conversation, Freddie reflected on his darker moments, specifically concerning a severe accident during Top Gear filming at Surrey's Dunsfold Aerodrome in December 2022, which saw him sustain injuries to his face and ribs. Subsequently, the BBC placed Top Gear on an indefinite hiatus.

Flintoff's BBC documentary titled Freddie Flintoff's Field Of Dreams On Tour, aired in August, delving into the aftermath of the accident, including his fight with anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks. He confessed that moving past the incident had been "a lot harder than I thought", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Nonetheless, Flintoff has been making a steady comeback — earlier in the year he joined the backroom team of England's cricket squad for their T20 matches against the West Indies, and later accepted the position of head coach for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition.

Fans of darts and trivia, take note: 'Bullseye' is making a comeback, combining the two as competitors battle it out for cash and prizes. The show enjoyed a revival on Challenge TV back in 2006 with comedian Dave Spikey presenting, but unfortunately only lasted two series before getting the chop.

ITV's director of entertainment and daytime commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, is thrilled about its return, saying: "Bullseye is back and we can't wait to welcome Freddie Flintoff back to ITV too."

She added, "It's a real treat to have both as key parts of our Christmas schedule on ITV1 and ITVX this year."