Incredible number apply for Bullseye’s festive special as Luke Littler helps darts popularity surge

ITV1’s reboot of Bullseye attracted 36,000 applications for just six contestant places.

The response, many from fans too young to remember the 1980s original, makes it increasingly likely channel bosses will order a full series.

ITV has yet to announce a broadcast date for its one-off festive reboot, hosted by Andrew Flintoff, but it will be in the same Sunday teatime slot it occupied in its heyday.

An insider said: “Bosses were pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of people applying to be on the show, with around 6,000 people throwing their hat in the ring for each place available.

“But they were also shocked by the large number of young people who wanted to take part because many of them will have little or no experience of Bullseye.

“They’re now convinced that a lot of them have simply been enthused by the resurgence of darts during 2023 and are particular fans of teen sensation Luke Littler.”

Bullseye, originally hosted by Jim Bowen, was a Sunday evening staple and ran for more than 300 episodes.

But the popularity of darts has been soaring — boosted by then 16-year-old Luke making it to January’s world championship final.

He will be the celebrity thrower on the festive special.

An ITV1 spokeswoman said: “Though there are currently no plans for a full series, we are looking forward to viewers watching our Christmas special of Bullseye because you can’t beat a bit of Bully.”

Meanwhile, Louis Theroux’s production company says it is making Kings of Darts, a three-part Sky series focusing on the game’s golden age.