It was introduced earlier this yr that former cricketer and Prime Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff could be on the helm of ITV’s model new Bullseye reboot.
And now, it has been revealed that the revival is about to retain a number of options of the unique darts sport present – together with the much-loved speedboat.
The TV present initially aired all through the 80s on ITV and was lately revived in 2006, with Dave Spikey taking over the internet hosting function.
Nonetheless, for the Christmas 2024 particular, Freddie, 46, can be within the presenting chair with teen sensation Luke Littler, 17, showing as one of many star-studded company.
Comedian Jim Bowen offered the present within the 1980’s and 1990’s, and a speedboat was often wheeled out as a star prize.
It was introduced earlier this yr that former cricketer and Prime Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff could be on the helm of ITV’s model new Bullseye reboot (pictured September)
And now, it has been revealed that the revival is about to retain a number of options of the unique darts sport present – together with the much-loved speedboat (Jim Bowen pictured)
In new footage obtained by The Solar, a shiny new boat has now taken satisfaction within the Manchester studio.
The revolving centrepiece, that includes prizes to goal for on one aspect and a standard board on the opposite, can be nonetheless intact.
Identical to the previous days, contestants can even get a Flexible Bully in addition to darts and a tankard.
A TV insider advised The Solar: ‘Devotees of the darts present can be thrilled and relieved that producers have gone for the method of “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.”‘
‘The studio has had a little bit of a Twenty first-century glow-up, and naturally, having Freddie and Luke fronting the reboot provides it one other trendy edge.’
‘However so lots of the conventional components of the programme are nonetheless in place that it’s going to really feel massively nostalgic.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for remark.
The previous Prime Gear host was additionally pictured shaking fingers with Luke because the pair visited the studio.
Nonetheless, for the Christmas 2024 particular, Freddie, 46, can be within the presenting chair with teen sensation Luke Littler, 17, (seen in January) showing as one of many star-studded company
It was reported in January that ITV bosses had been contemplating bringing the darts-themed sport present again to tv screens after Luke bought the nation gripped by the game once more.
Darts hero Luke completed because the runner-up within the 2024 World Darts Championship after World Quantity One Luke Humphries powered previous him within the match.
It was a disappointing finish to the event for Luke – however 4.8 million viewers tuned in to observe the match in an achievement which made the Championship last Sky Sports activities’ most-watched non-football occasion ever.
Nonetheless, Luke’s unbelievable and fast rise is claimed to have performed an enormous issue within the determination by ITV chiefs to carry the present again.
The present, which ran from 1981 to 1995 and drew audiences of as much as 20 million, options three pairs of contestants, every consisting of a darts participant and a quizzer, competing in darts video games and quizzes to win money and prizes.
This particular version will see Luke and others competing to win cash for charity.
An insider advised The Solar final month: ‘Luke wasn’t even born when Bullseye was on our screens with authentic host, Jim Bowen. However Luke is aware of this can be a plum function to have landed.’
The programme was made well-known by the late Jim Bowen when it ran on ITV from 1981 to 1995 (Jim pictured on the present within the 80s)
‘As he steps as much as the Bullseye oche he is aware of he is following within the footsteps of legends together with Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson who all threw darts on the programme in its Nineteen Eighties heyday.’
‘It is also a coup for the makers of the brand new Bullseye as Luke is now one in every of Britain’s best-known gamers.’
The hope is that the Christmas episode can be well-liked sufficient to green-light a full sequence subsequent yr.
Talking after his function on the present was introduced, Freddie mentioned: ‘Bullseye was one in every of my favorite exhibits as a child. I am unable to fairly consider I am going to get to host this.’
