Cilla Black is 'irreplaceable' — but Blind Date fans want these new reboot hosts
Iconic British TV show Blind Date is rumoured to be returning, and Metro readers have shared their dream presenters.
The game show, which was hosted by Cilla Black, saw one hopeful single introduced to three members of the opposite sex with the aim of securing a date with one of them by the end of the show.
The twist? The three potential suitors were hidden behind a sliding wall. The contestant asked three questions of the hidden singletons and used their answers to decide who to take on a date.
Blind Date aired between 1985 and 2003 on ITV, though it had a brief revival on Channel 5 for two years in 2017, when Paul O'Grady took on hosting duties.
Now, according to The Sun, the reality show is set to get a new home on Disney Plus, with an insider saying: 'Although there's likely to be some modern twists, the bosses very much want to keep the essence of the original.
'There'll be key elements returning, including the famous sliding wall.
'Plus, there will be a prize up for grabs of a wedding package, which echoes Cilla's famous gag whenever couples had enjoyed a successful date, and she used to ask, 'Do I need to buy an 'at for the wedding?''
It's not the first time reports of a Blind Date revival have surfaced, but so far nothing has been confirmed by Disney Plus.
That hasn't stopped the rumour mill, however, and producers are said to be eyeing up Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby and Davina McCall to host.
We asked Metro readers to tell us who they want to see front a potential Blind Date revival, and a few notable names were mentioned several times.
Malcolm Edward Young said: 'Alan Carr would be great, I can just hear him saying surprise surprise chuck.'
Francis Linsey echoed: 'Alan Carr would be fab, I would definitely watch it if he was to present it,' while Jenni Hodgkinson added, 'Alan Carr would be good. Needs someone funny.'
Alan Carr and Cilla Black appeared on screen together when she appeared on the 2009 Christmas special of his talk show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man.
Rachael Espin said the comedian would be a great replacement for original host Cilla, writing: 'Alan Carr or Rylan Clark because I think they'd do Cilla Black justice'.
And she wasn't the only person to tip former X Factor star Rylan for the role…
On Reddit, Iam_The_Lizard_Queen wrote: 'Rylan was actually the first person I thought of, do actually think he'd be good for it'.
Madamemercury1993 echoed: 'Rylan would be good! He's genuinely a funny guy fueled off innuendo. But genuinely seems to like interacting with regular folks.'
Meanwhile, Unusual_Rope7110 said: 'Rylan would work well' and Debra Bishop added, 'Rylan Clarke would be hilarious'.
Recently, Rylan was a Eurovision commentator alongside Scott Mills, and he has also presented Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, Supermarket Sweep, The One Show and This Morning.
Metro's Ellie Hutchings has shared who she'd like to see take on hosting duties, should Blind Date return:
'Whoever fronts the Blind Date reboot will have big shoes to fill — Cilla Black was revered for her cheeky charm and effortless rapport with contestants.
'For me, Rylan Clark is the best fit. His infectious energy, razor-sharp wit and natural warmth are all reminiscent of the iconic Cilla.
'Plus, having interviewed people from all walks of life on TV shows such as Big Brother's Bit on the Side and This Morning, I'm sure he'll make the contestants feel at ease (going on a reality dating show is an incredibly vulnerable situation to put yourself in, after all).
'Having spoken openly in the past about his own experiences of love and identity, including his struggles following his divorce from Dan Neal and discussing modern masculinity in his podcast How to be a Man, I'm confident he can bring a fresh approach to the iconic reality show.'
Another popular presenter du jour, Bake Off and This Morning's Alison Hammond was touted by fans as the perfect Blind Date presenter.
Wesley Bear wrote: 'She is hilarious without trying to be. And would certainly fit the ethos of the show I believe.'
Gordon Smith added: 'I think Allison Hammond is almost a shoo-in,' while Tony Finch simply said, 'Can only be Alison Hammond!'
Alison's infectious laugh and down-to-earth personality have made her a firm favourite among TV fans since first appearing on Big Brother in 2002. And funnily enough, she previously revealed she almost chose appearing on Blind Date over the Channel 4 show.
The Chase's Bradley Walsh received heaps of recommendations from Blind Date fans, with Jessica Jane Peers praising the presenter as 'completely hard to dislike'.
He's hosted the enduringly popular ITV game show The Chase since 2009, and in 2024, it won the TV Choice award and NTA for Best Game Show.
Many suggested Bradley Walsh should present Blind Date in tandem with one of his peers.
Rachel Slucock said: 'Bradley Walsh or David Walliams, both would be hilarious,' and Anjii Cooper wrote: 'Bradley Walsh or Lee Mack, they would have a laugh'.
Melle John added: 'It can only be Bradley Walsh or Stephen Mulhern. Yes they do get all the jobs. Cause they're good.'
Speaking of Stephen Mulhern, the presenter was named by several Metro readers as their ideal Blind Date host.
He's previously presented Dancing on Ice and Britain's Got More Talent, and is no stranger to a game show reboot, as the presenter of revived versions of Catchphrase and Deal or No Deal.
Recommending him for Blind Date, Dave Butler said: 'Stephen Mulhurn, funny man BUT knows where to draw the line.'
Victoria Hamilton echoed: 'Stephen Mulhern would be amazing at this,' while Tracy Purches suggested, 'Stephen Mulhern with the narrator from Come Dine with Me as 'our Graham''.
'Our Graham' was how Cilla referred to Graham Skidmore, who provided the voice-over for Blind Date. He died in 2021 at age 90.
Jane McDonald, who fans may recognise from ITV's Loose Women as well as her Channel 5 travel show, Cruising with Jane McDonald, is another popular choice.
Anne-Sarah Cassidy said: 'Jane McDonald would do a brilliant job,' and Tina Smith echoed, 'Jane McDonald would be great'.
Carol Davies simply said: 'I think Jane McDonald would fit the part'.
Jane has most recently hosted the British Soap Awards on ITV on June 5.
And plenty of other popular presenters were named by Blind Date fans too.
June Rae Elvidge said: 'First I thought Graham Norton, but for a laugh I thought how about Jeremy Clarkson? Or even Richard Hammond…it might be worth a giggle'.
IshamaelSunSoar added: 'Davina [McCall] would be my first choice but would like to see Holly [Willoughby] come back and do more TV too'.
And Paul Stables wrote: 'Claudia Winkleman, love her sense of humour on Strictly, she makes that show. You'll never replace Cilla though, that scouse/northern humour.'
Paul certainly isn't the only Blind Date fan who felt no one could live up to the iconic Cilla Black, who passed away age 72 in 2015.
Carl Turner said: 'No one is good enough to replace OUR CILLA… She was everything that kept us glued to our TV screens every Saturday night'. More Trending
Samantha Cunningham agreed, writing: 'Can't imagine anybody being as good as our Cilla'.
Meanwhile, others were keen to see fresh faces host the revival.
Cindy Sanderson said: 'Someone totally new!! Get some open auditions out there, we need fresh new talent!'
View More »
And Karen King echoed: 'A fresh new up and coming presenter. Give them a chance to show their talent. Stop giving the new roles to already set up presenters.'
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: 'You'll never replace Cilla': Blind Date fans reveal true feelings about reboot
MORE: Race Across The World fans moved as episode honours Sam Gardiner after death aged 24
MORE: Love Island fans devastated over lack of tribute to Caroline Flack in 10-year special
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Stella McCartney is tested for killer disease with sister on same day every year
Sir Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda's youngest daughter Stella speaks on the heartbeaking loss of her mum nearly three decades ago Fashion designer Stella McCartney is urging women to not ignore free NHS breast cancer checks after opening up about losing her mother to the disease in a rare interview. The daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul was 25-years-old when she lost her mother Linda, aged just 53, in 1998 - three years after she was diagnosed with the illness. But in a new insight into her private life, Stella, 53, has revealed how she goes for mammogram screenings with her trusted eldest sister, Mary, 55, and says it is vital other women do the same. Her warning comes just a week after British pop singer Jesse J, 37, shocked fans by revealing she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer after a period of 'in and out of tests." The Bang Bang star, real name Jessica Cornish, is now posting regular updates to her 13.9 million Instagram followers so they can keep up to date with her progress. Urging women to get tested, Stella said: "I love the idea of going with my sister and my best friends on International Women's Day every year. "I think it is a nice way to celebrate that process. Go and get your mammograms. My sister is my best friend. It is like no other." Stella has previously described how her mother's death was 'the most difficult thing I've ever had to encounter', and says the feeling of loss is with her every day. But although her mother passed away 27 years ago, Stella says the pain does not get any easier especially as she watches her own children - sons Miller, 20, Beckett, 17, and daughters Bailey, 18, and Reiley, 15, - grow up not knowing who their grandmother was. She said: "My mum didn't see my kids. I was just 28. It is the greatest loss, especially when you become a mother. I was so young and passing down motherhood, what a beautiful gift. It is just not you not having her and you losing her it is them not knowing her too. Like "She didn't know you". Stella recently praised Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles for speaking out about her own breast cancer scare. She said: "I think it was courageous for you (Tina Knowles) to share your story and I wish more people would share it. I wish more people would have shared that what when my mother was alive, hoping that she would still be alive. So I commend you for talking about it. Everyone should get mammograms. It is all about prevention. It is so important. "I have spent a lot of time at a breast centre in Kettering and I highlight this disparity in breast cancer mortality. I ask so many questions and some don't know they can get free screenings." Today, Stella says her mother Linda continues to guide her in the way she conducts her family life with husband Alasdhair Willis and in the way she runs her business which saw her receive a CBE from King Charles in 2023 for her services to fashion. The designer - who takes after her mother in her love of animals and refusal to eat meat and uses no leather or fur in creations for her eponymous label - says her ethos is partly inspired by her mother's beliefs. Stella said: "What an influence my mum was. Obviously in my life she guides me how I conduct myself in my business and in my home." But despite the trappings of the McCartney name, Stella admits she is just like any other mother at home, especially when it comes to her daughters who often steal treasured items from her catwalk collections. She said: "I have an 18-year-old daughter but she is now an age when she is stealing all my major clothes. She is like "Can I go into the archive?" and she whips out the most iconic pieces. She is like "Oh that is the 1997 runway." And I never see it again." "But my kids do get mad at me. There is that Saturday Night Live sketch where they say "I am your mother". "My kids always play that to me. But I said to my daughter once "The only mission I have as a mother is to pass on the thing I have learned." My boys are different." And as Father's Day approaches this Sunday, Stella says her children are just like everyone else's adding: "I have to tell my kids like it is Father's Day coming up. I say to them that we don't need anything, We don't need anything so I say to them 'But write him a letter. Make him proud of you.'
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Noel Edmonds says 'crystal bed' and shower routine are key to looking young
The weird and wonderful world of Noel Edmonds is revealed in his new show, as the star explains how he still looks so young at 76, but not all the steps are easy to follow at home The weird and wonderful world of Noel Edmonds is revealed in his new show - including how he manages to stay looking so young thanks to a detailed regime. Former TV host Noel is launching a career comeback next week on ITV. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure sees him building a new life in New Zealand with his wife Liz. And in the first episode Noel explains how he still looks so young at 76, but not all the steps you will be able to follow along at home. Wife Liz first explains Noel is sat on a crystal bed, with beautiful quartz crystals lit above him and a sound of five to eight hertz being omitted into his headphones as he lies down. Noel says: 'The light bulb moment about my health, and it's a good term to use, was when I found all this information about what we really are. All we are is body energy systems, and that body energy system touches everything around us, which is how you move into the bigger matrix, the universal energy system. 'I find this so exciting, because this is all based on ancient spiritual wisdom.' Listing purified water, an oxygen tank and cold showers amongst the other things which make him feel youthful, Noel said: 'I suddenly realised actually there were six components that worked really well for me. The formula consists of nutrition and structured water, this is water in its purest form. Demonstrating the next element he added: 'Pulsed electromagnetism. And what is happening now is, by pulsing electromagnetism, all my little cells are going 'Whoa now we've got good frequencies'. Now we can work properly.' He also said there is 'a certain way to exercise, which I do very slowly and quietly, called tranquil power, He calls it tranquil power because 'everything about it is quiet and slow' but it is similar to people doing normal weight sessions in a gym. He said: 'Then something I call vibe, visualisation of body energy meditation. This takes me somewhere else, and it's beautiful. Those things together. Then I chuck in a little bit of cold showers I normally have a warm shower in the morning and wash it off with a cold shower and a sauna and infrared proven science. Very, very good for you. 'And the hyperbaric chamber - a little bit of oxygen three times a week. You don't have to wear this, but it shoots almost pure oxygen into your body.' Noel joked he has been 'researching it for 76 years' when it comes to staying young, and he and wife Liz certainly seem happy in the documentary and living a wonderful life together. They are in the Tasman region of the South Island in the countryside with Nelson their nearest town. The UK presenter and his wife Liz are reported to have practically bought an entire town in the Motueka Valley - in an estate valued at NZ$30m (£14.5m). Eccentric Noel also has clocks around his New Zealand home stopped at 11.06, in tribute to his wife Liz who was his make up artist on Deal Or No Deal when they met. He makes no secret of the fact he is besotted with her. He added: "Generally speaking, when you round here, see a clock at six minutes past 11. It's not broken. That was the time on the sixth of October, 2006 Yep. When my earth angel arrived and introduced herself. 'Liz was sent to me. She is an earth angel, which I know some people will fall about laughing. I knew she was in the room before I turned around. I looked her and went, Oh, thank goodness, there you are, the sustenance of her energy is my lifeblood. I mean, it really is. 'You will never, ever pull us apart, because we are one. To find that in your life is a gift. 'I believe it's a gift from the cosmos. It was an unforgettable moment. So the clocks are there, the time of my life.' In response Liz jokes: 'I thought someone has got to look after him. Doing my little bit of care in the community!' Liz also explains that the couple didn't have a real plan when they moved to New Zealand six years ago, but they have ended up buying River Haven estate. She says: 'There was no plan whatsoever to come and buy a vineyard and do this. I don't know. It's just a feeling of, oh, we could work on this. We could develop this.' The ITV series will show Noel and Liz trying to build New Zealand's first energy garden and a fledgling business which includes a pub called The Bugger Inn and a coffee truck. Noel tells the cameras: 'When we get to the end of whatever this is, how big are your regrets? When I get to the end, I aim to have no regrets whatsoever.' In March, rumours of the show leaked out and it drew comparisons with Jeremy Clarkson show Clarkson's Farm, which airs on Prime Video. But Clarkson's Farm is now making money and it remains to be seen if Noel can ensure his business makes a profit as he has to cope with unseasonal bad weather and "feelings of being an outsider'. Noel is unlikely to be back to the UK to live anytime soon. Asked what he loves so much about New Zealand, he said: 'I struggle to explain why I'm so excited about this Kiwi adventure. It comes down to the land - the look, the feel of it. We have a beautiful home, and in the morning, we wake up to a view of the mountains. Whether or not you can see them tells you what the weather will be like. Just a few kilometres away, there's a beautiful beach, the Moutere River, and within an hour's drive, you're in serious bush - wild terrain. The scenery here is magical. Even after six years, we'll go for a drive and still say, wow.' He thinks his love of the outdoors and greenery could be 'a reaction to being born in Ilford, in Essex, surrounded by bricks, concrete, and tarmac'. Once he has money from his TV and radio career he bought land and said he has been farming since the 80s. Asked why he had invited the ITV cameras to New Zealand he said there were three reasons including to promote New Zealand and to support the local economy. On the third reason, he added: 'To show a different side of me. I'll admit it: there's a bit of ego involved. People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' Yes, I'm still here - and living life to the full.' In 2018, Noel went on I'm A Celebrity and picked up a reported £600,000 fee and a feeling he could be one of the leaders of the camp for the rest of the series. But in one of the biggest shocks in reality TV history Noel Edmonds was the first contestant to leave the show that year. Rather than try to make more TV he then headed to New Zealand soon after to begin a new life. Noel started his broadcasting career hosting Top of the Pops in the early 70s and later went on to present nineties hit Noel's House Party with beloved Mr Blobby and Deal Or No Deal. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure starts on ITV on June 20.
Scottish Sun
44 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Who is Love Island 2025 contestant and bombshell Emily Moran?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BOMBSHELL is about to drop on the most famous villa in reality TV — one of the stunning Welsh variety. Here we get to know Emily Moran, who's travelled all the way over from Australia to Mallorca to rustle up some romance on Love Island 2025. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Emily Moran is being lined up as a Love Island bombshell Credit: Instagram 2 Emily is from the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel Credit: Instagram Who is Emily Moran? Love Island 2025 is set to introduce a captivating new bombshell into the proceedings. Emily Moran is a Welsh brunette who is poised to shake up the dynamics in the villa and turn a few heads. Currently residing in Sydney, Australia, she has already made her way over to Mallorca, ready for romance and hoping find a lasting connection. Sources close to the show revealed where Emily is originally from — and it's the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel. They told exclusively The Sun: "Emily's originally from Aberdare, the same town as Nicole Samuel from last year's show. "Her ex-boyfriend is tall, dark and handsome, so she'll have plenty of options when she does make it into the villa. 'Unlucky in love' "She's been unlucky in love since moving down under and is hoping to find Mr Right with a little help from Maya Jama and the British public." As glamorous as she is well-travelled, Emily's social media presence paints a picture of an adventurous young woman. She enjoys beach days, often sharing photos of herself soaking up the sun in an array of stylish bikinis. In 2024 alone, she explored a number of popular destinations, including Ibiza, Mykonos, Mallorca and the Amalfi Coast. Nepo baby sobs as she ADMITS drink-driving after talks to join Love Island Emily's romantic history adds another layer of intrigue to her Love Island persona. With a penchant for tall, dark and handsome men, she is expected to have a wide range of options when she lands in the famous villa. As of June 10, 2025, Emily already boasts over 7,000 followers on Instagram, but that's sure to skyrocket during her time on Love Island. Her most recent social media posts on the platform from the end of May 2025 indicate she's living the dream. [Emily's] ex-boyfriend is tall, dark and handsome, so she'll have plenty of options when she does make it into the villa A Source 'Happy girl' She told her followers she was a "happy girl" in one post, while another saw her say: "I love my little life". The arrival of Emily follows reports of the first dramatic dumping of the season, where one of the original villa girls was unexpectedly sent home. This twist, promised by the show's bosses as part of the Love Island's 10th anniversary celebrations, has set the stage for further surprises throughout the series. A source said: 'This girl will be sorely missed as was already proving to be a big character. She was absolutely gutted to leave. 'But the series has twists and turns at every stage and this isn't the usual dumping viewers might expect after a bombshell arrives. 'Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter has promised drama for the tenth anniversary and this format point will not disappoint.' The first bombshell of the series, American Antonia Laites, made her mark almost instantaneously when she coupled up with Ben Holbrough — leaving Shakira Khan single and vulnerable.
