Andrew Flintoff is set to return to television, as the host of ITV’s Bullseye reboot.
The news that the gameshow was being remade was first revealed in January. Initially the rumours were that Paddy McGuinness would lead the show.
However, ITV has now confirmed that it will be another Lancastrian, Flintoff, taking on the role, made famous by Jim Bowen.
It’s set to be a one-off festive special, with the door open to turn it into a full series.
“Bullseye is back and we can’t wait to welcome Freddie Flintoff back to ITV too. It’s a real treat to have both as key parts of our Christmas schedule on ITV1 and ITVX this year,” said Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV.
It will be the first major presenting role that Flintoff has undertaken since his life-changing Top Gear crash. He did appear recently on his critically acclaimed Field Of Dreams cricket documentary and has returned to the game that made him famous, with coaching roles at England and in The Hundred.
“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,” he said.
“You can’t beat a bit of Bully.”
The show will be made by 12 Yard productions.
“We are delighted to have acquired the rights to Bullseye, one of the most iconic game shows ever. And the timing could not be better considering the popularity of darts. Freddie is the perfect host for it and we can’t wait for the show to be back on ITV,” added Michael Mannes, Managing Director, 12 Yard Productions.
