British darts-themed quiz show Bullseye will return to ITV this weekend with new host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

Bullseye first aired in the UK back in 1981 fronted by late comedian Jim Bowen and ran until 1995.

It was revived on Challenge TV in 2006 for two series, hosted by comedian Dave Spikey.

Now the darts-themed quiz show is back again for a 2024 Christmas special and this time will be hosted by former England cricket captain Freddie Flintoff.

Speaking about the new role, Flintoff said: "I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. Can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special.”

Echoing Bowen’s catchphrase, he added: “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!”

Flintoff has only recently returned to TV following an accident on BBC's Top Gear back in 2022 that nearly killed him.

What happened to Freddie Flintoff in Top Gear accident?

Flintoff used to be co-host of popular BBC car show Top Gear along with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris - a role he began back in 2019.

But the former England Cricket Team captain's time on the show was cut short after he was severely injured in an accident at the Top Gear Test Track - the Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey in December 2022.

'Freddie' Flintoff reportedly flipped a Morgan Super 3 vehicle on the first bend at the Top Gear test track during filming for the show while not wearing a helmet.

Freddie Flintoff used to host Top Gear along with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.Freddie Flintoff used to host Top Gear along with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. (Image: Lee Brimble/PA)

The vehicle was only travelling at 22mph but was open-top, meaning when it flipped Flintoff's face scraped along the tarmac, reported the Mail on Sunday.

The presenter sustained broken ribs and serious facial injuries in the incident with Flintoff’s son Corey, revealing at the time, his father was “lucky to be alive” describing it as a “pretty nasty crash”.

There were reports Flintoff's crash was so bad Top Gear staff who witnessed it had to be signed off work indefinitely as they struggled to come to terms with an incident described as "something you would truly want to unsee". 

After months of speculation, the BBC finally made the decision, last November, to rest Top Gear for the "foreseeable future".

The former England cricket captain spoke about the Top Gear crash for the first time upon his return to TV in August on Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dream on Tour (BBC).

When to watch Bullseye on ITV

Flintoff will be back on TV again on Sunday (December 22) as he hosts a special Christmas episode of Bullseye.


The best Christmas TV specials of all time


Bullseye will see three pairs of contestants each made up of a keen darts player (the 'thrower') and their partner (the 'knower'), Freeview explains.

"The teams compete against each other and combine their skills at throwing darts at different game boards with answering questions correctly for points and prizes," Freeview added.

All the classic Bullseye rounds are back including the Category Board, Pounds for Points and Bully's Prize Board.


RECOMMENDED READING:


At the end of the show, the winning team will decide whether to risk everything they've won to try to win Bully's Mystery Star Prize.

Flintoff will be joined on Bullseye by special guest Luke Littler and Richard Ashdown, who will be the scorer.

You can watch the Bullseye Christmas Special on ITV1 and ITVX at 6pm on Sunday (December 22).