Famous gameshow Bullseye could be making a spectacular return to our TV screens after 29 years off air.
The iconic 1980s programme first ended in 1995, but now TV bosses are said to be eyeing up to front a reboot.
It’s believed darts sensation is to thank for the potential revival of the much-loved show as, he’s got the nation hooked on the game again.
When he went up against Luke Humphries at Alexandra Palace earlier this week, Littler – from Runcorn – thanks to a 7-4 win by Humphries.
He had viewers on the edge of their seats, though, as 4.5million tuned in for the final showdown.
A source has claimed that discussions are already being had about Bullseye returning as a result.
‘ITV is already in discussions to bring back Bullseye after this year’s final drew in the event’s highest viewership in history,’ an insider told .
‘It’s early days, but ITV thinks 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.’
As far as a host is concerned, they reckon 50-year-old Paddy, who was born in Farnworth, Bolton, could help breathe fresh life into Bullseye while also paying homage to the late Jim Bowen.
‘They think Paddy, with his Lancashire roots like Jim, would be the perfect person to host.’
Bullseye first hit screens in 1981 and ran for 14 years.
The dartboard quiz game tested contestants’ darts skills as well as their general knowledge.
Three pairs of contestants, consisting of an amateur darts player and quizzer competed for cash and prizes, walking away with cars and caravans galore.
Of course, with the show also came catchphrases.
Memorable phrases such as, ‘You can’t beat a bit of Bully!’, in reference to the show’s mascot, and ‘Super, smashing, great!’, still live on, as does, ‘Stay out of the black and into the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed.’
This wouldn’t be the first time the show has had somewhat of a reboot since its axe.
In 2006, Challenge TV brought it back after ITV scrapped it, but it failed to gain popularity.
With comedian Dave Spikey at the helm, the show was cut again after two series.
While the latest reports will be music to some people’s ears, not everyone is so on board.
For example, former English darts player Wayne Markle previously hit out at the idea of Bullseye returning.
‘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,’ he blasted.
‘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.’
Metro.co.uk understands that no formal conversations have taken place regarding Bullseye returning.
