Freddie Flintoff is set to host the iconic quiz show Bullseye starting this Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 20:00 BST on ITV. In a surprising twist, the former England cricket star will not be using his birth name, Andrew Flintoff, during the series. The decision comes as Flintoff prepares for his television comeback following a trial episode that aired last Christmas.
Originally airing from 1982 to 1995 under the guidance of the late Jim Bowen, Bullseye has been a staple of British entertainment. Flintoff, who has been affectionately known as Freddie since his school days—an alias inspired by the cartoon character Fred Flintstone—aims to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved show.
Flintoff has shared insights about his lifelong connection to darts, recalling how he and fellow cricketers often played the game while touring. “We used to play on tour a lot in our hotel rooms,” he noted. “We’d be watching television in our rooms and playing darts. It was the little things as a kid watching it I remember, from Bully moo’ing to Jim Bowen counting the money out before the ad break.”
In a candid moment during a documentary on Disney+, Flintoff reflected on the contrast between his public persona and his true self. “Andrew is probably more a reflection of me. Quite introverted. Just like his own space. But that would never have survived the world of professional sport,” he explained. This introspection emphasizes the pressures athletes face in the public eye.
As he prepares for the challenges of hosting Bullseye, Flintoff admits he feels a mix of excitement and apprehension. “A lot of the cricketers play,” he said, indicating his familiarity with the game. “We stop when I mess up on the auto-cue and this and that. But back then, it was like it was all done in one scene. There’s something really nice about that.”
The revamped Bullseye promises to retain the charm of its predecessor while offering a new format that caters to both long-time fans and newcomers. Flintoff’s deep appreciation for the show’s history and its original host shines through, suggesting he is well-prepared to guide audiences through the next chapter of this classic quiz show.
With his engaging personality and a heartfelt connection to the format, Flintoff is poised to make his mark on Bullseye, which has captured the hearts of viewers for decades. The combination of nostalgia and fresh energy is likely to resonate with audiences as they tune in for the series premiere.
