Iconic 1980s gameshow is being rebooted by ITV after going off air in 1995
A REBOOT of classic 80s game show Bullseye is in the works — after the nation became hooked on darts again thanks to teen sensation Luke Littler.
Insiders say ITV bosses have got presenter Paddy McGuinness in their sights to host, in the role originally made famous by the late Jim Bowen.
It comes off the back of 16-year-old Luke’s historic battle to reach the top in the PDC World Darts Championship.
Some 4.5million people tuned in to watch his final bout against Luke Humphries.
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.
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“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.”
Bullseye first aired in 1981 and ran for 14 years.
It saw three teams of two contestants — one an amateur darts player and the second a trivia buff — compete against each other for top prizes, including cars and caravans.
It spawned catchphrases “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 format was revived on Challenge TV in 2006, with comedian Dave Spikey hosting.
It failed to gain traction with viewers and was axed after two series.
Luke’s nail-biting final — which he ultimately lost — became the most watched non-football event in Sky Sports’ history this week.
ITV declined to comment.
