Comeback on for classic Bullseye
SMASHING
TELLY bosses are eyeing up a revival of iconic 1980s game show Bullseye.
The classic quiz and darts contest could be in for a reboot in the wake of teen sensation Luke Littler’s success.
Millions tuned in to watch 16-year-old Luke’s historic PDC World Darts Championship final defeat against Luke Humphries.
Now ITV chiefs hope to resurrect the series, originally hosted by the late Jim Bowen who coined the catchphrase “super, smashing, great”, with several names in the frame. Graham Norton, Paddy Mcguinness and Alan Carr are said to be among the frontrunners to present the show.
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. 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.”
Bullseye first aired in 1981 and ran for 14 years before being taken off air. It was revived on Challenge TV in 2006 but failed to attract viewers and was axed after two series.
Cork native Graham Norton is no stranger to hosting quiz shows and has just landed the ITV reboot of Wheel of Fortune.
He said of the game show: “The audience gets so into it. It hasn’t been on television for over 20 years but it’s like the audience just knows the game.
“The contestants are up for a good time and they’re here to have fun, and the audiences have been great.”