Andrew Flintoff lands new job with BBC rival after Top Gear accident
10/04/2024 11:07 AM
Andrew Flintoff has landed a new role presenting a reboot of the darts gameshow Bullseye.
The ex-England cricket captain will take to the host’s chair as the beloved series returns to screens for a one-off Christmas episode on ITV.
The format of the show involves three pairs of contestants who must answer quiz questions and play darts in order to work together to win prizes.
A full series has not yet been confirmed, with the show having stopped production back in 1995, only to return for a singular series in 2006.
Flintoff takes up the presenting gig after original host Jim Bowen passed away in 2018.
Speaking about taking up the role, he explained just how excited he was.
"I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid,” he said. “Can't quite believe I'll get to host this Christmas special."
And he paid tribute to Bowen’s famous catchphrase from the show, adding: "You can't beat a bit of Bully!"
It has been almost two years since Flintoff was involved in a horrific accident whilst filming BBC show Top Gear.
The 46-year-old sustained serious injuries to his face and to his ribs in an incident which his son Corey afterwards admitted he was lucky to have survived.
The BBC since announced the motoring show was being rested ‘for the foreseeable future’
Having retired from Test cricket back in 2009 after helping England to seal an Ashes win that year and all forms in 2010 (save for a brief return in 2014), Flintoff turned his hand to presenting Top Gear back in 2019.
Since the accident, he has taken up a number of coaching roles including becoming the new head coach of the England Lions cricket team in September 2024.
He is taking charge of the side for the first time as they embark on a 25-day tour of South Africa from the end of November.
Flintoff is also the head coach of The Hundred side Northern Superchargers.
But in a recent BBC documentary entitled Field of Dreams, Flintoff opened up just how much the crash had impacted his life.
“I thought I could just shake it off,” he said. “I wanted to shake it off and say ‘everything’s all right’, but it’s not been the case.
“It’s been a lot harder than I thought. As much as I wanted to go out and do things, I’ve just not been able to.
“I struggle with anxiety. I have nightmares, I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with.”
He added: “I genuinely should not be here with what happened. It’s going to be a long road back and I’ve only just started.
“I’m going to need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it.”
