A lifelong ambition to appear on the classic quiz show Bullseye has been fulfilled for one minister.
In November, the Revd Jim Williams, a minister within the Lancashire West Missional Partnership, and his son Henry appeared on an episode of the show which broadcast on 16 November.
The pair won £2,000 for Blackpool’s Streetlife Trust, a youth work charity providing emergency shelter to vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16-25 in the town and surrounding areas.
Though filled with laughter, darts, and light-hearted prizes, Jim said the show quietly carried lessons that speak to the deeper journey of life. And so, he used the opportunity to tell his story of his calling, from “bomb-builder” to becoming a vicar. In a Christmas letter to congregations in his community, Jim reflects on what he calls the “theology of Bullseye” and explores the show’s gentle wisdom and what the unexpected “pulpit” teaches about purpose, choices, and grace through five points:
1. Step up and take your throw
In Bullseye, contestants stand before the dartboard with a simple invitation: aim and throw. Life offers us the same invitation. Each day we are handed a “dart”—our choices, our intentions, our talents—and asked to step forward boldly. We do not always hit the centre. Sometimes our aim wavers. Sometimes we miss altogether. But the show reminds us that true courage is simply in showing up and trying. We are not judged for perfection but for participation. Growth begins when we dare to take the throw.
2. “Look at what you could’ve won”: Lessons of reflection
One of the most memorable lines in Bullseye came when a contestant failed to win the star prize: “Look at what you could’ve won!” Often this was said gently, always humorously, but it carries a deeper message. All of us have moments when life shows us opportunities we missed—dreams we didn’t pursue, chances we let slip, kindness we failed to offer. The point is not to shame ourselves, but to learn. Regret can be a teacher. It invites us to aim more truly the next time. The phrase becomes not a rebuke but a call to intentional living.
3. Gratitude for the everyday prizes
Bullseye was famous for its humble prizes: tea sets, vacuum cleaners, decanters – gifts that seemed ordinary but were useful. In a world obsessed with extraordinary achievements, these simple prizes remind us that real joy is often found in the everyday blessings: friendship, health, a warm home, meaningful work, shared laughter. Spiritual maturity is the ability to say: “This is enough. I am grateful.” When we learn to appreciate small gifts, we discover that life is rich beyond measure.
4. The star prize gamble: faith and discernment
At the end of the show, contestants could risk everything they’d won for the hope of a greater reward. This “star prize gamble” is a picture of life’s crossroads. Sometimes we are called to take courageous risks—to leave comfort behind in pursuit of purpose or calling. Other times, wisdom says: “Hold on to what you have.” Faith is not reckless; it is discerning. The gamble teaches us to listen carefully to what truly matters and make choices with both courage and peace.
5. A final word: joy is sacred
Freddie Flintoff’s humour, Bully’s cheerful presence, and the spirit of fun gives the show its heart. And so, it teaches us one final truth: joy is not trivial. Joy sustains us. Joy heals. In the seriousness of our daily responsibilities, we must not forget to laugh, to play, to delight.
May we step up with courage, aim with purpose, learn from our misses, give thanks for our blessings, and never lose our sense of joy. For truly, you can’t beat a bit of Bully.
Watch the episode of Bullseye featuring the Revd Jim Williams and Henry.