First look at ITV’s Bullseye reboot with huge new celebs, studio ‘glow up’ and return of iconic prize
THE Bullseye revival is to retain several features of the original darts gameshow — including the much-loved speedboat, The Sun can reveal.
Viewers will be thrilled to see many familiar sights when England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff hosts ITV’s reboot, with teen sensation Luke Littler as star player.
When the comic Jim Bowen presented in the 1980s and 1990s, a speedboat was regularly wheeled out as a star prize.
And, ahead of filming for the special show airing this Christmas, a shiny new boat took pride of place in the Manchester studio.
The revolving centrepiece, featuring prizes to aim for on one side and a traditional board on the other, is also still intact.
Just like the old days, contestants will also get a Bendy Bully as well as darts and a tankard.
A TV insider said: “Devotees of the darts show will be thrilled and relieved that producers have gone for the approach of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
“The studio has had a bit of a 21st-century glow-up, and of course having Freddie and Luke fronting the reboot gives it another modern edge.
“But so many of the traditional elements of the programme are still in place that it’s going to feel hugely nostalgic.”
Ashes hero and former Top Gear host Freddie, 46, was seen shaking hands with world championship finalist Luke, 17, as the pair visited the studios.
Freddie also threw a few arrows, overseen by scorer Richard Ashdown, who is taking over the role from Tony Green, who died this year aged 85.
The Sun revealed last month that ITV was bringing back the hugely popular programme for a Christmas special.
It is hoped that the show, made by 12 Yard Productions, will be turned into a full series next year with Freddie at the helm.
Bullseye became a Sunday afternoon staple for millions after it was first broadcast in 1981.
Three pairs of contestants — one an amateur player and the other a general knowledge expert — competed for cash and prizes.
The star prize, hidden behind a screen, could be one of several things, including a holiday.
However it was often a caravan or speedboat, with viewers wondering how it would be split.
Even if they lost, it came out anyway as Jim teased: “Look at what you could have won.”
The show ran until 1995 while Jim died in 2018, aged 80.
ITV declined to comment.