Movies

Legendary dating show set to return after 22 years – with Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall or Claudia Winkleman in the running to host

BBG News

Blind Date is set to make a sensational return to TV after 22 years away from screens.

The iconic dating series, originally led by the late Cilla Black from 1985 to 2003, has its sights set on Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby, or Davina McCall for the upcoming reboot.

Initially, whispers hinted that the sensational ITV series might resurface on BBC, yet recent reports indicate that the beloved dating show is set to return on Disney+ – a development that has me utterly thrilled!

According to a source, the decision-makers are aiming to preserve the core spirit of the original while adding some contemporary elements.

‘There’ll be key elements returning, including the famous sliding wall.

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In addition, a wedding package will be given as a reward, similar to the humorous line Cilla often used when couples had a good time on their dates: “Shall I go ahead and get the ‘wedding dress’?

TopMob has contacted Disney+ for comment. 

In March, it was predicted that ex-host Holly might soon be compared to Cilla, as she secured multiple lucrative agreements valued at approximately £10 million.

Previously, it was Dan Baldwin, Holly’s spouse, who was contemplating the revival. Moreover, Holly herself once took on the role that Cilla had originally played, when she hosted a re-launch of the Surprise Surprise show.

A source shared with The Sun at that point: ‘Although it may not seem immediately apparent, Holly and Cilla share many similarities as they are both major television personalities of our time.’

Imitating Cilla goes beyond simply hosting her programs; it also involves creating a distinct identity as a standalone host with substantial influence and credibility within the television industry.

Together, she and her partner Dan make an unbeatable duo on television. Her charisma captivates audiences and keeps them glued to their screens, while he boasts a history of producing highly popular TV series.

When asked about shows he’d like to see rebooted, Dan mentioned Blind Date, commenting: ‘Another show I think could return is Blind Date. Is the world prepared for it? Oh, what a Saturday night that was. I envision Claudia Winkleman hosting Blind Date on BBC1.’

Cilla was married to a prominent figure in the television industry, her husband Robert ‘Bobby’ Willis, who stepped up as her manager after Brian Epstein passed away in 1967 and secured a contract with LWT, making her one of the highest-earning TV personalities.

In her last year on Blind Date, it’s reported that Cilla was making approximately £17,000 per week, equating to around £884,000 annually. When adjusted for inflation, this sum amounts to roughly £2 million in today’s currency.

Back then, Holly was just as impressed with Cilla for paving the way for TV hosts during the ’80s and ’90s. Tragically, this iconic figure passed away in 2015 at the age of 72.

It seems that, following the cancellation of her Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt after just a single season, Holly now finds herself with enough time to host again.

Although I had been eagerly anticipating the return of the program, which was filmed in beautiful Costa Rica and co-hosted by Holly and Bear Grylls, it seems that a comeback is not on the horizon, despite the fact that Bear had expressed optimism about its renewal.

According to insiders, the program broadcast in February performed quite well rating-wise, but it turned out to be costly to produce. As a result, Netflix is reportedly leaning towards organizing more live events instead of pre-taping shows in the future.

One informed TopMob: ‘Everyone was extremely proud of the performance, but when it came down to it, the production cost was astronomical. It required an entire set in Costa Rica, numerous staff members, and a multitude of celebrities. The expenses were staggering.’

It is understood that cheaper locations were looked at but nothing was appeared to be suitable.

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2025-06-05 00:03

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