logo
Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show

Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show

The Irish Sun25-06-2025
IT is one of the most nostalgic TV reboots of the year – but I can reveal the return of Blind Date will come with a very modern Love Island-style twist.
Earlier this month I revealed the programme, made famous by host
Advertisement
4
The Blind Date revival will be set on a tropical island — just like Love Island, hosted by Maya Jama
But it will have a different flavour because much of the show will be spent on a tropical island — just like Love Island, hosted by
A TV insider said: 'This sounds like a radical departure from the old Blind Date, one that definitely has hints of Love Island about it.
"But fans will recall a lot of the dates took place in hot, sunny climes abroad, and ­producers want to recapture some of the steamy fun, and expand upon that.
'Even the wedding element has hints of the old show, because the dream was always that the dates on the programme would lead to couples tying the knot.'
Advertisement
read more on blind date
The TV insider added: 'In the reboot, the creators are not entirely dispensing with all of the old ­characteristics either as there are still plans to incorporate the show's famous ­sliding wall and hire a top female host just like Cilla.'
Disney+ is imminently expected to confirm it is reviving Blind Date, though all details have been kept firmly under wraps.
Advertisement
Most read in News TV
No presenter has signed up as yet but the channel is targeting some big names in British TV, with the main criteria being that they have to be hugely famous women.
Here's hoping whoever gets the role doesn't mind getting a bit of sand between their toes in the course of the job.
4
Cilla Black hosted Blind Date for 18 years
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Blind Date most successful couple Alex and Sue Tatham talk about their time on the show
KATH TAKES FLIGHT
KATHERINE KELLY is back dishing out the drinks . . . 13 years after pulling pints in the Rovers Return.
Advertisement
On Corrie she played feisty barmaid Becky McDonald, while now she's cabin crew on new Channel 4 thriller In Flight.
4
Katherine Kelly stars in new Channel 4 thriller In Flight
Credit: Channel 4 / Peter Marley
4
Katherin played feisty barmaid Becky McDonald on Coronation Street
Credit: ITV
Advertisement
Through the airline she works for, she finds herself blackmailed into drug smuggling after her son is imprisoned in Bulgaria for a murder he claims he didn't commit.
The six-parter, set in Bangkok, Bulgaria, Istanbul and London, wrapped filming this spirng and is set to air later this year.
STEPHEN IN TECH LESSON
STEPHEN FRY wants to make a futuristic TV drama series where e-mails, TikTok and SnapChat are 'uncool' and people return to basic communication in 'an unplugged life'.
Advertisement
The pupil asks the teacher how to submit his essay as he doesn't have a computer so can't email it.
Stephen continues: 'All the other (pupils) think 'Who is this ridiculous child?'
"But then he starts influencing everybody. They think this is quite a fun way to live.
'We've come to a tipping point now where the uncoolest thing in the world is Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
Advertisement
"We know they're harmful, but they are also vapid and shallow and silly.
'Imagine an unplugged life using all these fabulous old tools. You'd be the coolest people.'
Bizbit
THE BBC has un- veiled two new podcasts. Double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams will host the LGBT Sport Podcast, which begins today.
And 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle tells the stories of the people who helped change space exploration. It launches on July 14.
SEX JOKE BIT MUCH FOR WILL
BRIT actor
He cringed as US actress
Advertisement
At this week's launch of the show, which drops on July 10, Lena said: 'One of Meg's favourite things to do is to ask you after a take: 'What face were you making during that?'
"One time it was right after a sex scene and Meg was like: 'What face were you making during that?'
'And I heard Will's mic, like: 'Jesus f***ing Christ, Meg!''
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme -
Sun Club.
Advertisement
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox, Families Like Ours and Tamara Drewe
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox, Families Like Ours and Tamara Drewe

Irish Independent

time15 minutes ago

  • Irish Independent

Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox, Families Like Ours and Tamara Drewe

George Clarke's Kitchen vs Garden Channel 4, 8pm The architect and garden designer Luke Millard head to Bristol, where a couple must decide to blow most of their budget on George's ideas for a swanky kitchen or Luke's Japanese-style garden. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure Virgin Media One, 9pm After turning his back on a long and successful broadcasting career, Edmonds headed to New Zealand to start a new life with his wife Liz. Across three episodes, they discuss their experiences and efforts to start a new hospitality business. Families Like Ours TG4, 10.30pm We're at the sci-fi drama's midway point, and Fanny is all set to leave for Romania. While she and Laura struggle with the move, Nikolaj and Henrik must deal with the repercussions of their decision and Danilo searches for his missing son. The Graceless Age – The Ballad of John Murry RTÉ One, 10.35pm Feature-length documentary about the American singer-songwriter who, after releasing his acclaimed debut solo album, suffered a personal crisis that resulted in him relocating to Co Longford, where he has found an inner peace. Tamara Drewe BBC Two, 11pm Posy Simmonds's comic strip is brought brilliantly to life by director Stephen Frears. Gemma Arterton takes the title role, that of a journalist whose return to the sleepy village where she grew up shakes up the locals. Roger Allam, Dominic Cooper and Tamsin Greig co-star. The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox Disney+, streaming now What's more twisted: the obsession with Amanda Knox or how few recall Raffaele Sollecito (Knox's then-boyfriend, also wrongfully convicted) or Rudy Guede (the person ultimately convicted for Meredith Kercher's death)? This limited series draws from Knox's 16-year fight for freedom. The Gambler and His Cowboys Netflix, streaming now If anyone is looking for yet more American 'football' viewing, complete with burly men on the brink and cheerleaders flipping out, here's the definitive story of The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones's impact on NFL history. Devo Netflix, streaming now Through rare footage, this documentary maps Devo's transformation – from avant-garde provocateurs in Ohio's underground scene to chart-topping innovators of the new wave era. In case you're wondering, Devo preceded Talking Heads by two years. Just saying. The Hunt For Shannon Matthews Prime Video, streaming now In 2008, nine-year-old Shannon Matthews disappeared on her way home from school in West Yorkshire, sparking a nationwide search. What began as a heartbreaking mystery soon took a disturbing turn. This two-parter revisits the case. Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser Netflix, streaming now Remember the 'transformation' shows of the Noughties? At one end of the scale, you had What Not To Wear and 10 Years Younger. At the other end, there was Extreme Makeover and The Swan. While most of the aforementioned predominantly featured women changing themselves for societal approval, The Biggest Loser was different. The global franchise, which ran from 2004 until (would you believe it) 2016, equally targeted men. Now, this docu-series looks at the making of the hit reality competition, exploring the good, the bad, and the exceptionally complicated. Featuring interviews with former contestants, trainers, producers and health professionals, the three-parter examines the show's approach to transformation, the support systems in place, and the unique challenges of filming a reality television show predominantly hinged on people with obesity issues losing weight in record time in the name of entertainment. Limitless: Live Better Now Disney+, streaming now Chris Hemsworth takes on three epic challenges to explore science-backed ways to improve our health. It proves that, when you're a famous actor fronting a documentary, your resources are 'limitless', as Thor becomes a drummer at a stadium gig, climbs a frozen 600-foot wall, and embraces brutal Special Forces pain training in South Korea. Speaking of which... The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies Netflix, streaming now South Korea is known for its cultural exports like K-pop and drama, but its story runs far deeper. Like Ireland, it bears the scars of oppression – a legacy that has fuelled renowned artistic expression. This powerful documentary series revisits traumatic events that profoundly shaped the nation. Night Always Comes Netflix, streaming now Movie time now. And it's a light little number (I jest) featuring Vanessa Kirby, Julia Fox and Eli Roth. Adapted from Willy Vlautin's bestselling novel, it follows Lynette, a woman who risks everything to secure a house for her family in a city they can no longer afford to live in.

Brian Blessed blasts ‘ignorant pigs' who put trigger warnings on Shakespeare plays
Brian Blessed blasts ‘ignorant pigs' who put trigger warnings on Shakespeare plays

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Brian Blessed blasts ‘ignorant pigs' who put trigger warnings on Shakespeare plays

Hamlet audiences have been warned of 'coercive behaviour' and 'grief, suicide and mental illness' ACTOR Brian Blessed has howled down trigger warnings on Shakespeare plays — and he didn't bother with poetic Bard-style language by dismissing them as 'b***s'. The thunderous-voiced thespian labelled theatre bosses 'ignorant pigs'. The Sun told of Hamlet audiences being warned of 'coercive behaviour' and 'grief, suicide and mental illness' at London's National Theatre. There have also been warnings about Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. Advertisement Flash Gordon star Brian, 88, has appeared in Henry V, Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing. He told a sci-fi convention: 'It's bs. It's f***ing Shakespeare. read more on shakespeare BARD BEHAVIOUR Shakespeare impersonator quits after being accused of making racist remarks 'He is the greatest writer on the planet. 'People see his plays the length and breadth of this country and they are full of amazing things. Advertisement 'There are so many ignorant pigs around.' To hammer his point home, Blessed then quoted a famous line from The Tempest adding: 'Prospero said 'We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep'.' It means our short lives are fleeting like dreams and therefore not real - just like the action people see in plays on a stage. Blessed made a name for himself after appearing in movies Flash Gordon, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves as well as on TV shows Z-Cars, Blackadder and I, Claudius. Advertisement Terry and June to get woke warning - 80s comedy show

‘Exciting' new Channel 4 adventure show with huge cash prize and VERY familiar format set to air later this year
‘Exciting' new Channel 4 adventure show with huge cash prize and VERY familiar format set to air later this year

The Irish Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Exciting' new Channel 4 adventure show with huge cash prize and VERY familiar format set to air later this year

The series is being made by the people behind Freddie Flintoff's Field Of Dreams A GENERATION GAME 'Exciting' new Channel 4 adventure show with huge cash prize and VERY familiar format set to air later this year IN an era obsessed with Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z, Channel 4 is giving us a TV show that cuts through the generational divides. This week, at the Edinburgh TV Festival, it is announcing Worlds Apart, a contest where a young and old person are paired up to complete a challenge on the road. 7 Worlds Apart is a contest where a young and old person are paired up to complete a challenge on the road Credit: Ch4 7 The show is being made by South Shore, which was behind Freddie Flintoff's Field Of Dreams Credit: BBC With more than a whiff of Race Across The World to the format, the teams of two will be sent to Japan, where there is a stronger emphasis on care and respect for the elderly. And if that wasn't enough of a feat, many of the contestants vying for the £50,000 cash prize will be Brits who have never travelled abroad before. Channel 4 commissioning editor Genna Gibson said: 'I've seen how generations can feel miles apart, but bring them together and you realise they share more than you think. 'Japan, with its ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern life is the perfect backdrop for their journeys.' Unsurprisingly, Worlds Apart is being made by South Shore, which was behind Freddie Flintoff's young cricketers show Field Of Dreams on BBC One, and The Real Marigold Hotel, about veterans going on adventures, for BBC Two. Both shows endeavoured to shatter stereotypes about young and old. Worlds Apart airs later this year Bizbit THE Edinburgh TV Festival is the annual convention of over 2,000 figures from within the TV industry where new shows and projects are unveiled by broadcasters, streamers and telly actors over four days of events, debates and masterclasses in the Scottish capital. RO CAN'T RESIST A REVAMP TOP Boy creator Ronan Bennett is giving World War Two drama Army Of Shadows a bold new twist. His Channel 4 show was inspired by Jean-Pierre Melville's 1969 film and Joseph Kessel's seminal book. Ronan's project was unveiled last night at the Edinburgh TV Festival. The movie and novel dramatised the emergence of the French Resistance to the Nazi occupation of France. Ronan has created a new story of how resistance takes shape in a near-future authoritarian Britain. Under de facto American occupation, a former British army officer builds a covert cell from scratch as young recruits fight to reclaim their country. Ronan said: 'Democracy is in clear and present danger. 'This is a story about commitment, resistance and defiance in the coming age.' MOFFAT IN No10 DRAMA SHERLOCK and Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat is making a drama about life inside the Prime Minister's Downing Street home. Simply called Number 10, it will delve into what it is like to live in one of the most powerful places on Earth – an old terrace with mice and a lift that never works. 7 Steven Moffat is making a drama about life inside the Prime Minister's Downing Street home Credit: Getty Channel 4 confirmed it was making the programme as the four-day Edinburgh TV Festival got under way yesterday. Sue Vertue, executive producer for Hartswood Films, which is creating the show for C4, said: 'We are excited to be working with Channel 4 on Number 10, which is a passion project for Steven. 'He says there are three famous doors in the world; he's done 221B Baker Street and the Tardis – now he's going to do the real one.' C4 have yet to announce the lead stars, but given the pedigree of Steven and Hartswood, its sure to attract huge names. GLENN IS STILL KILLING IT GLENN CLOSE plays a cantankerous killer in new Channel 4 drama Maud next year – having won the part thanks to her bunny-boiler role in film Fatal Attraction. The 1987 thriller saw her character Alex Forrest terrorise married lawyer Dan (Michael Douglas) after a one-night stand. 7 Glenn Close in 1987's Fatal Attraction Credit: Alamy Even though almost 40 years have passed, I'm told the film helped her bag the lead in the upcoming six-parter. Gwawr Lloyd, acting head of drama, at C4 said: 'Maud is a deliciously dark and daring drama and the amazing Glenn Close will bring a thrilling complexity to the role.' Filming for Maud, which is based on the short stories by Swedish writer Helene Tursten, will take place in London later this year. Bizbit THE Edinburgh TV Festival kicked off yesterday with prolific telly presenter Rylan Clark staging one of the first talks with Gavin & Stacey actor Russell Tovey, where he discussed everything from giving 16-year-olds the right to vote to being gay in a predominantly straight industry. GAME SHOW TO RIVAL ALL OTHERS ITV doesn't appear to be hiding the similarities to Disney+ show Rivals in its teaser image for new game show, Nobody's Fool. Revealed at the start of the Edinburgh TV Festival, it sees two stars of the Jilly Cooper drama – Emily Atack and Danny Dyer – pose up as hosts. 7 Emily Atack and Danny Dyer will host new game show Nobody's Fool 7 Emily plays Sarah Stratton in Rivals Credit: Disney 7 Danny plays moustached businessman Freddie Jones Credit: Robert Viglasky And the pair are inside a stately home, just like the one in Rivals where lead character, saucy MP Rupert Campbell-Black, lives. While Emily looks quite different to her character Sarah Stratton, Danny's moustache and smart attire make him virtually indistinguishable from businessman Freddie Jones. Commenting on the show, due to air next year, Danny said: 'This is a blinder of a game show. 'Emily and I had a brilliant time making it and, much like the audience at home will be, we were kept guessing right until the very end.' Emily added: 'It's so exciting to be part of something this fresh.' Hmm, not entirely fresh though, is it?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store