ITV classic making a return fronted by BBC Top Gear's Freddie Flintoff

Former England cricketer Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff will front a Christmas special of 'Bullseye'

A much-loved ITV classic is making a return - and bringing another TV return with it. Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is set to front a new version of classic darts quiz show 'Bullseye'.

The 46 year old ex-cricketer will command the spotlight, playing quizmaster for a festive edition of the programme, which first captured audiences in the '80s and '90s with Jim Bowen and saw a brief comeback with Dave Spikey in the 2000s, marking Flintoff's TV return since his traumatic 'Top Gear' accident.

Excited about his inaugural presenting role on this iconic game show, Flintoff enthused: "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. You can't beat a bit of Bully!"

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Should the Yuletide episode garner enough fanfare, there are whispers that a full series renewal may be in the offing, with TV experts convinced Flintoff is perfectly cast as the host.

An insider divulged to The Sun's TV Biz column: "This is the perfect role for Freddie to start a whole new chapter in his career and his fans will be thrilled to see him on our screens fronting such a well-loved programme."

"Few would have predicted the move but it's a genius signing because Freddie has the same dry, Lancashire sense of humour and delivery as Jim."

"While it's uncertain if he'll adopt Jim's famous 'super, smashing, great! ' tagline or whether speedboats will still be offered as joke prizes to contestants from landlocked areas."

"They're expected to continue the slightly cruel taunt of 'Look at what you could've won' by showing the top prize to those who haven't triumphed."

'Bullseye' initially hit the screens on ITV in 1981 and enjoyed a 14-year run with Jim - who passed away in 2014 at the age of 80, as host and the late Tony Green providing commentary.

The show was brought back to life on Challenge TV in 2006, with Dave taking up presenting duties, but it was cancelled after only two series.