‘Blind Date’ is set to return to television screens before the end of this year.
The classic game show was fronted by the late Cilla Black for almost two decades from 1985 until 2003 but will be given a reboot over the coming months.
Speaking to The Sun Online, a source said: "’Blind Date’ is the original dating show and it’s huge news to bring it back.
"It’s a classic format that will be rebooted to make it young, sexy and modern. Expect sparks to fly. In an age of Tinder, you have got to earn the right to love on this show."
It’s not known who will replace Cilla, who tragically passed away in 2015, as the host just yet but it’s believed Vicky Pattison, Olly Murs, Georgia May Foote and Helen Flanagan are among those in talks about taking over as the presenter of the dating series.
Bosses are keen to keep some of the "traditional" elements of the previous run but have decided to give it an updated twist to appeal to a "new generation of viewers".
It’s expected to run on Friday nights – rather than its traditional Saturday night slot – and will consist of six to eight episodes per series for the first few installments.
The programme sees three singletons grilled by a member of the opposite sex in order to find the perfect match without being able to see them. The new couple then pick an envelope with their holiday destination – abroad or in the UK – inside and will spend the next week trying to get to know one another.
Channel 5 have bought the rights to the dating show but they will have some stiff competition from ITV as it has ‘Take Me Out’ and ‘Meet The Parents’.
‘Blind Date’ proved a hit with viewers for years but the plug was pulled in 2003 when Cilla announced she was quitting during a live episode following a drop in ratings.
Blind Date to make a return
