‘You can’t beat a bit of Bully!’ 

With proof that everything old is new again, ITV have just confirmed the revival of the darts-based quiz Bullseye for a Christmas Special.

The show was a hybrid test of darts skills and general knowledge with teams made up of an amateur darts player and a quizzer.

Hosted by the late comic Jim Bowen, the original began in 1981 and ran for 13 seasons. A short-lived revival appeared on the Challenge channel in 2006, fronted by Dave Spikey.

Now, it’s the turn of the former England cricket captain turned TV personality Andrew “Freddie” Filntoff.

Freddie 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. You can’t beat a bit of Bully!”

Whether he’ll utter any of Bowen’s immortal phrases such as “Stay out of the black, and in the red; there’s nothing in this game for two in a bed!” or “Super! Smashing! Great!” remains to be seen.

Bullseye Prizes

The show had a reputation for some less than inspiring, if practical, prizes. The delights included cutlery sets, sheepskin coats and the Corby trouser press. Although there was the occasional caravan and speedboat on offer too.

According to Den of Geek, those selections were a result of strict limits on prize values. A lot has changed in television quizzes since then.

Bullseye returns for a one-hour festive episode, presumably with more in the pipeline if it does the numbers.