Challenge Brings Back Bully For Ratings Bullseye

Iconic darts gameshow, Bullseye, is to be revived by Challenge TV, albeit without gravel-voiced host Jim Bowen, and will return to screens in the spring.

The Flextech-owned entertainment channel has seen success airing the original series, and hopes to capitalise on the nostalgia value attributed to the modern day remake.

The updated show will retain many elements of the original, including the revolving board, the character of Bully, Tony Green the scorer, and the tankard prizes. However, iconic presenter Jim Bowen will not make an appearance, instead giving his blessing to the new, and as yet unannounced, host.

“My time on Bullseye was one of the best times of my life,” Bowen explained. “I’m very pleased to hear that it is coming back for a new audience. I want to wish the production team and the new presenter my blessings, whoever it turns out to be!”

Jonathan Webb, director of programming for Challenge, Bravo & Trouble, added: “Bullseye is in a class of its own. It is totally cult and we predict a huge resurgence in darts this year which, in part, explains the phenomenal success of the original series on Challenge.”

The new series will feature some of the biggest names in darts, as well as guest celebrities. However, the new show will struggle to emulate the success of the original due to multi-channel audience fragmentation. Airing on ITV between 1981 and 1995, in its prime the original Bullseye was watched by as many as 15 million viewers every Sunday evening.

Flextech: www.Flextech.co.uk