ITV is bringing back the iconic game show Bullseye for a special charity edition in aid of Soccer Aid. The darts-based programme, which was a major hit during the 1980s and 1990s when it was hosted by the late Jim Bowen, has enjoyed a recent revival. It returned for a festive special in 2024 and a full series in 2025, with former cricketer Freddie Flintoff taking over as host.
Return of a Classic
The broadcaster confirmed the show's return via Instagram, teasing: "Darts at the ready! Bullseye is back for a Soccer Aid Special! Legends, laughs, and a few shockers on the oche... who's got the aim and who's miles off?" The programme is set to air "coming soon to ITV and ITVX." Images from the studio show Freddie alongside celebrity contestants including singer Olly Murs, television presenter Mark Wright, and actress Kym Marsh.
Fan Excitement
The game show remains hugely popular among audiences, with fans taking to social media to express their delight. One viewer declared it an "all time favourite" and "brilliant," while another proclaimed: "There is no television programme that has ever been made in the entire history of the medium that could ever objectively compare to Bullseye." Another fan called it "the greatest British game show" to ever grace TV screens, and someone else insisted it "must be the best gameshow Britain ever produced."
One viewer praised the format: "The format is perfect in terms of ups and downs, skills and knowledge, there's always stakes, and anyone can come back. Then at the end, the losers can win the big prize." Unsurprisingly, there was considerable excitement following confirmation of its imminent return. "You can't beat a bit of Bully," one viewer posted on Instagram.
Another wrote: "So excited to see this, Olly Murs and Mark Wright are a super smashing great team." A fan asked: "Are you making a second series??? I hope it comes back for a longer run than just four episodes because you can't beat a bit of Bully on a Sunday." Nodding to Kym Marsh's days in the group Hear'Say, one viewer quipped: "Team Kym... I'm sorry but Kym is my childhood so I have my team already... and that's just Pure and Simple."
Bullseye is coming soon to ITV and ITVX.
