Bullseye returns to ITV as icon says 'everyone wants a piece of the darts now'

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World No. 4 darts star Stephen Bunting believes the return of Bullseye is the latest indication of how popular darts has become. Over the last 18 months, the level of attention paid to darts has sky-rocketed.

Since Luke Littler reached the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship aged 16 , the sport has grown at a rapid rate. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and CEO of Matchroom, who play a huge role in promoting the sport, said last year only Premier League football attracts more viewers than the action on the oche.

Bullseye, after returning for a Christmas episode last year, will become a regular fixture on ITV every weekend. Hosted by England cricket icon Freddie Flintoff , contestants will have the opportunity to gamble the prizes they amassed in a bid to win the ' Bully's Mystery Star Prize.'

The likes of Littler, World No. 1 Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and many more have also been involved in the show. Bunting, who reached the semi-final of the World Championship last year before losing to Littler, also features.

The Bullet, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport , said: "I've always been a massive fan of the show. I think any darts player as a kid dreamed of being on Bullseye. Unfortunately for me, the show ended and I thought I'd never get my chance.

"It's also brilliant to have Andrew Flintoff as well, who I know through social media. I've spoken to him quite a few times now and he's a really nice guy as well.

"He was there cracking all the jokes and making everyone laugh in the audience. I can't think of a better host, to be honest."

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Bunting will be in the mix for the newly expanded World Championship, which begins on December 11. It will be the biggest competition in the PDC's history, with 128 players competing, including spaces for four women's players.

Most significantly of all, there will be a first prize of £1million, double what Littler scooped up last year when he beat Van Gerwen in the final. The PDC also announced Saudi Arabia will be hosting its first ever darts competition in January, which will likely feature a huge cash prize.

Taking into account the rising viewing figures, the ever-increasing cash prizes and the growth of the World Championship, Bunting believes it all points to darts' huge popularity. The Bullet added: " Darts is just growing and growing.

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"Everyone wants a piece of the darts now, hence Bullseye coming back. Darts is in an absolutely great place at the minute.

"I can only see it going from strength to strength, especially with the likes of Luke Littler there. We've got characters in the game again. People don't just go to the darts to watch the darts.

"They go for the atmosphere. They go for the walk-ons. Everyone's getting dragged into this big theatrical darts show. It's not just darts anymore. It's everything that comes with it."

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.