Iconic 1980s gameshow set to 'return to ITV after 29 years with huge BBC star'
Legendary 1980s gameshow Bullseye is set to return.
ITV bosses are looking to reboot the classic gameshow after the nation were gripped by darts teen sensation Luke Littler. The original series was hosted by the iconic late Jim Bowen and insiders have revealed they would like presenter Paddy McGuinness to take on the role.
Around 4.5million people tuned in to watch 16-year-old Luke's historic PDC World Darts Championship final against Luke Humphries. Insiders have revealed ITV want to capitalise on the success of the sport.
A source said: “ITV is already in discussions to bring back Bullseye after this year’s Darts World Championship drew in its highest viewership in history. It’s early days, but ITV think it could be hugely successful."
Bullseye feature in Vernon Kay's Gameshow Marathon in 2007“There are even plans to bring back the speedboat top prize — even if contestants live in a landlocked place, which often happened during Bullseye’s heyday. They think Paddy, with his Lancashire roots like Jim, would be the perfect person to host," a source told The Sun.
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Bullseye first aired in 1981 and ran for 14 years before being taken off air. It featured three teams of two contestants – one an amateur darts player and the second a quizzing hopeful – compete against each other for top prizes.
Prizes on offer included cars and caravans, with the top prize a speedboat. The gameshow spawned a series of memorable catchphrases, which included: “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!” after the show’s mascot, “Super, smashing, great!” and “Stay out of the black and into the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed.”
The series was revived on Challenge TV in 2006 after being axed by ITV, but it failed to gain viewers. Comedian Dave Spikey hosted before it was axed after two series.
A Bullseye revival wouldn't be welcomed by everyone with former English darts player Wayne Markle previously speaking out against the show returning to TV. He said: “Back in the 90s I would have paid money to be on there, but I was not prepared to go on that show when it was a farce with Spikey.
“In my opinion, they should have let the show die, and if any execs are reading this and wondering about another reboot I say this: Bullseye should stay off air until technology and budgets allow a convincing Jim Bowen hologram to take the show back under his virtual wing.”
ITV have been contacted for comment on the reports.
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