Latest news with #Cilla
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic TV show to return after 22 years - with Holly Willoughby lined up to host
Iconic British TV show Blind Date is reportedly set to return to screens 22 years after it last aired - with a huge twist Iconic dating show Blind Date is reportedly set to return to screens 22 years after the late Cilla Black 's final episode. For months, it was rumoured the ITV show would be revived on the BBC. However, in a huge shake-up, the reboot will reportedly air on streaming service Disney +. The ITV show originally aired on Saturday nights from 1985-2003, and saw hundreds of couples meet for the first time. Like most dating shows, many didn't last past the studio doors - but some made it all the way to the alter. Now, a new bunch of singletons will be hoping to find their perfect date. A star studded line-up of female hosts are being eyed up to step into Cilla's shoes, including Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall and The Traitors ' Claudia Winkleman. Although there will be some "modern twists" to the revival - bosses are said to be keen to keep some of the original features that viewers know and love. Of course, they couldn't get rid of the iconic sliding wall. 'Although there's likely to be some modern twists, the bosses very much want to keep the essence of the original," an insider told The Sun. '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?'' However, it is unknown whether the show will provide a replacement for voiceover Graham Skidmore, aka 'Our Graham'. The Mirror has contacted Disney + for comment. It won't be the first time the show has been revived. In 2017, the show return on Channel 5, two years after the death of original host Cilla Black - with Paul O'Grady replacing the late host. Melanie Sykes also joined the show as a replacement for 'Our Graham' providing the iconic voiceover. The show ran for four series until June 2019. Original voiceover Graham died in 2021 at age 90, seven years after the death of host Cilla Black in 2015. Black died at her holiday home in the Spanish town of Estepona, aged 72.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Iconic Brit TV show RETURNING after 22 years with Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby or Davina McCall lined up to host
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY TV love-match show Blind Date is returning to screens after 22 years. There had been rumours the programme — famously hosted on ITV by the late Cilla Black — was to be revived on the BBC. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Cilla Black with a Blind Date hopeful in 1989 Credit: LWT 7 Claudia Winkleman is one of the three women lined up to host the revived show Credit: Getty 7 Blind Date is returning to screens after 22 years, with Holly Willoughby also lined up to host Credit: Rex 7 Davina McCall is another top host to have been shortlisted for the role Credit: Doug Seeburg However a surprise twist will see the reboot go instead to global streaming service, Disney+. Producers want to keep the tradition of a top British female host, with a shortlist including Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby and Davina McCall. The famous sliding wall separating the contestants will also return. But it is not known whether it will feature a replacement for Graham Skidmore - aka 'our Graham' — who provided Cilla with a summary of contestants. He died in 2021 aged 90. He has plenty of famous namesakes, including chat show host Graham Norton, ex-footballer Graeme Souness and actor Stephen Graham. An insider said: '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?'' The Sun last year revealed plans for a revival after another Saturday night ITV hit, Gladiators, had successfully moved to the BBC. It is believed the deep pockets of Disney+ ensured it won out over the Beeb. Paul O'Grady pays tribute to original blind date host Cilla Black It is expected to film later this year — 40 years after Blind Date first aired — and drop in 2026. The original ran from 1985 to 2003, pulling in up to 18 million viewers. After Cilla's death in 2015, aged 72, it was briefly revived two years later on Channel 5 with Paul O'Grady. Disney+ were approached for comment. 7 Could chat show host Graham Norton be in line to replace Graham Skidmore? Credit: The Mega Agency 7 Will Stephen Graham become 'our Graham'? Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers rush to watch 'astonishing' three-part Cilla Black drama
Cilla originally aired on ITV back in 2014 and has now arrived on Netflix for viewers to binge Netflix subscribers have been praising a three-part drama featuring Sheridan Smith, which recently debuted on the streaming platform. Originally broadcast on ITV in 2014, Cilla stars Sheridan as the legendary singer Cilla Black. The series delves into the early stages of Cilla's career and explores how her life was transformed upon meeting Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles. Sheridan is joined by a stellar cast including Aneurin Barnard as Cilla's husband Bobby, Ed Stoppard portraying Brian Epstein, John Henshaw as Cilla's father, and Melanie Hill as Cilla's mother. The official synopsis for Cilla reads: "'Cilla' tells of her rocky rise to fame and will capture the essence of 1960s Liverpool, the atmosphere of promise and excitement as the Merseybeat music scene was on the verge of exploding in a blaze of tight-fitting skirts, stiletto heels, and beehives." It further elaborates: "A young, unknown Cilla works in the austere environs of the typists' pool at a local company, dreaming of stardom. The drama looks at how she met the two men who came to love her and ultimately fought over her - future husband Bobby Willis and legendary manager Brian Epstein, the tragic young businessman who also guided the career of The Beatles. "We learn how Cilla's burgeoning friendship with John, Paul, George, and Ringo - the four young men who went on to conquer the music world - shaped her career. "It was family friend Ritchie Starkey (Ringo), the teddy-boy with a greasy quiff, who helped her to cross paths with Brian Epstein and producer George Martin, who were to launch her career with recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios." The series has garnered high praise from viewers, many of whom have lauded Sheridan Smith's stunning representation of Cilla, née Priscilla Maria Veronica White, reports Surrey Live. "Brilliant portrayal of Cilla by Sheridan Smith, who also sings all the songs! Wow! The whole cast were fabulous. One not to be missed," exclaimed one viewer on Google. Another telly buff penned: "Brilliant. Loved this series, Smith always smashes it," while another chimed in, adding: "Great performance by all and gives a great feel for the early 60's in Liverpool."
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix viewers rush to watch 'astonishing' drama about beloved British icon
A three-episode drama about the British TV icon Cilla Black's rise to fame, starring Sheridan Smith, has smashed into the Netflix top 10. The synopsis for ITV series, Cilla, from 2014 – also featuring Aneurin Barnard and John Hanshaw – reads: 'Working as a typist, Cilla Black dreams of stardom – but when her voice garners attention, fame brings its own mix of triumphs and trials.' The show came out a year before the real-life singer and TV show host died in 2015 from a form of stroke known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Cilla was well known across the UK after starting her career as a singer – supported by The Beatles in the 60s. After topping the charts with hits like Anyone Who Had a Heart and You're My World, she pivoted to TV show hosting. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Most famously, she was the face of the long-running dating game show Blind Date from 1985 to 2003 and captivated audiences with her unique charm and onscreen personality. The show specifically portrays her early career and the life-changing impact of the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein on the Liverpool native who was born Priscilla Maria Veronica White. The titular star is played by Sheridan herself, to rave reviews. 'Brilliant portrayal of Cilla by Sheridan Smith who also sings all the songs! Wow! The whole cast were fabulous. One not to be missed!,' Julia Hawkes wrote on Google reviews. 'Great performance by all and gives a great feel for the early 60's in Liverpool,' Helen McEntee echoed. 'Brilliant. Loved this series, Smith always smashes it,' Sarah Jane added. 'Its so so so so so good!! Sheridan Smith is astonishing, I genuinely forget I'm not watching Cilla herself!' Emma Hilts said. As well as receiving the seal of approval from Black herself, the praise was also echoed by critics at the time. 'Smith makes sense as Cilla because both women are talented performers whose lovable, down-to-earth personalities disguise an unswerving/hard-nosed ambition,' The Independent shared. 'Smith's rendition of Anyone Who Had a Heart, which closed last night's episode on a triumphant high, was if anything more impressive than Black's own recording, her voice darker, bluesier and better suited to contemporary tastes. It could easily be a hit in its own right,' The Telegraph reflected. Speaking about the experience bringing together this legend, Smith told The Mirror: 'This show is about Cilla and capturing the buzz of the Merseybeat era. There's never going to be a time like that again. More Trending 'I wish I was around in that era, but playing Cilla is the next best thing. She is an icon and I just hope I do her story justice.' The sitcom star reprised her role as Black to play her on stage in 2020 for Bill Kenwright's stage production Cilla The Musical. View More » Cilla is available to stream on Netflix now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Stranger Things fans 'furious' after Netflix announces major news about season 5 release dates MORE: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale MORE: Netflix fans lap up new number 1 film based on shocking real-life murder
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
TODAY'S TV WITH SARA WALLIS: Jean Charles de Menezes' tragic death explored 20 years on in new drama with Line of Duty star
The temperature may be rising outside as summer approaches, however the TV schedules are just as hot - with so much telly to choose from. Disney+ launches its brand new true crime drama Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes today, starring Line of Duty's Danny Mays and Gavin and Stacey's Russell Tovey. Written by Cilla's Jeff Pope, the series tells the story of the Brazilian electrician who was tragically killed by police aged just 27 back in 2005. Elsewhere, David Tennant hosts his first game show on ITV, while Amanda Holden hosts a number of cheaters at a luxury Mallorca retreat for her latest Netflix show. With so much to choose from, here are the top TV picks from Emma Bullimore - who is filling in for Sara Wallis. Pick of the day Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, Disney+ Since Mr Bates vs The Post Office reminded us of the power of good telly to spark big conversations, our screens have seen a slew of great dramas inspired by real-life injustices. The latest is this hotly anticipated four-part series about the killing of 27-year old Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot by police at Stockwell tube station in the aftermath of the 7 th July London underground bombings 20 years ago. Written by biopic maestro Jeff Pope (who penned Cilla and Mrs Biggs to name just two) and supported by the victim's family, it tells the story of an ordinary man who met his untimely death as a result of flawed intelligence and police mistakes. In the febrile atmosphere of the capital city, as London security services were reacting to both the fateful terror incident and an unsuccessful copycat attack, we see the police grappling with a manhunt that ended in tragedy, as de Menezes was misidentified as a suspect. The story continues beyond his death, to show how the Met reacted, and why so many people still think the victim jumped over a station barrier and ran away from the police, when in fact that did not happen at all. Instead, he tapped in with an Oyster card and walked calmly to the escalator. Featuring an all-star cast including Danny Mays, Russell Tovey and Emily Mortimer, the compelling drama offers a brutally accurate version of an event that is still shrouded in misinformation two decades after it happened. The Best of the Rest Genius Game, ITV, 9pm The Traitors meets The Crystal Maze, with a touch of Golden Balls, as David Tennant brings a fiendish new format to our evenings. To be a contestant on this show, you have to boast some kind of intellectual brilliance – either you're an academic, an entrepreneur or you're just very good at making other people trust you. The 11 contestants are thrown straight in at the deep end, with the first of a series of puzzles designed to test their brains and social skills. To succeed they will need to outwit their opponents, while also forming important allegiances, but at breakneck speed. Tonight, they will be staging heists at a vault to try to steal million-pound bars. But it's not just a race to get the most money – if they get their strategy wrong they could end up in the final death match and find themselves eliminated from the game. Cheat: Unfinished Business, Netflix This isn't the first dating show to put exes face to face. But Amanda Holden's glossy new series is all about the chance of a happy ending – she's reuniting cheaters with their former partners, hoping for rekindled romances rather than dramatic showdowns. Joined by love expert Paul C. Brunson, Amanda encourages the one-time couples to air their feelings, in a bid to work out whether there's any hope for them post-betrayal. Although their happiness was once wrecked by infidelity, Paul suggests that cheating might not be the ultimate dealbreaker, and that there might be grey areas for the spurned exes to discuss. The eight couples sharing their history at a luxury retreat in Mallorca include Love Islanders Rebecca Gormley and Biggs Chris, who met in 2020 but split just one year later. Will any of them walk out hand in hand, or will their hearts get broken all over again? EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm Nicola struggles to contain her fury as she and Teddy deal with a delicate situation. Things get worse when an intruder enters Harry's Barn. Avani is upset with Priya after her row with Callum. Suki encourages Priya to take responsibility for what happened, and to apologise. Meanwhile, Avani visits her dealer, but she can't afford to pay. Joel steps in to help. Johnny hopes he still has a chance with Felix after his bad date. But their movie afternoon is interrupted by gatecrashers. Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm Caleb is concerned when he realises the flight number Steph gave him doesn't exist. After logging onto her computer, he discovers her plastic surgery plans. Caleb and Ruby dash to the clinic, and arrive just in time. But Steph insists they can't change her mind. Sarah tells Vanessa she has started researching IVF to push ahead with having a baby. When Charity turns up, Sarah panics about what she might have overheard. Vanessa encourages Sarah to confide in Charity. Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm Knowing that Jenny has just transferred a big lump sum, Daisy is concerned to hear Christina talking to Dom in the back yard of the Rovers. Gary tells Maria he's considering selling the shop and buying the builder's yard instead. Maria insists it's a no-go, but Mick tells Gary to ignore Maria's concerns. Carla isn't impressed to be left at home with Betsy. It doesn't take her long to work out that Betsy's arm is actually fine, and Lisa returns to chaos.
