‘Blind Date’ is set to get its first ever drag queen special.
The Channel 5 dating show is set to make history with its forthcoming episode this weekend when unsuspecting criminologist Luke is forced to choose between three singletons – Shyanne O’Shea, Anna Phylactic and Trampagne – who all happen to be drag artists.
The reboot, which returned to screens last year after it was originally made popular by former host the late Cilla Black in the 80s and 90s, is now presented by Paul O’Grady.
The special will see the 63-year-old comedian don his iconic leopard print coat from his days as his drag queen character Lily Savage as he welcomes the stars to the show.
He said: "I’m so happy that we have included drag queens on this series of ‘Blind Date’. It’s about time – it is 2018 after all.
"Having been a drag artiste myself, I’m very proud to be part of this ‘Blind Date’ first."
The move comes after Paul praised the show’s bosses for being "really brave" and inviting lesbians to take part in the dating game show last year during Gay Pride month.
He previously said: "It’s 2017 – you’ve got to educate people. It’s no longer boy meets girl.
"You have to acknowledge that. You can’t just have same old, same old. I think it’s really brave of them to make this step, because the others wouldn’t.
"Imagine the BBC? It wouldn’t happen, it just wouldn’t happen.
LGBT group Stonewell also echoed the presenter’s sentiments saying: "Since the show’s end in 2003, a representation of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people has come a long way, and we hope to see Blind Date’s move inspire shows of a similar format."
The drag queen special will air this Saturday (28.07.18) at 8pm on Channel 5.
Blind Date to feature drag queens for the first time in forthcoming special
