Latest news with #CillaBlack
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Blind Date reboot 'set to return with HUGE twist - and it's inspired by hit ITV dating show'
Blind Date is set to make a sensational return to screens 22 years after it last aired but with a jaw-dropping twist inspired by Love Island. Earlier this month, MailOnline revealed the legendary dating show - famously hosted by the late Cilla Black from 1985 to 2003 - is being rebooted on Disney+. However, the new version will reportedly take place on a tropical island, just like ITV 's Love Island, hosted by Maya Jama – with contestants battling it out for a dream wedding on golden sands. A TV insider told The Sun: '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.' The iconic British game show originally saw a contestant question three potential dates hidden behind a screen – which would then slide back to reveal their chosen match. According to the insider, the reboot will retain some of the show's most beloved elements, including the famous sliding wall, and producers are said to be seeking a high-profile female host in the spirit of Cilla Black. Disney+ is expected to officially announce the Blind Date revival soon, though details remain tightly under wraps. MailOnline has contacted Disney+ for comment. It comes after MailOnline revealed earlier this month that the legendary dating show is eyeing up several well-known presenters to host the revival. In March, former This Morning host Holly Willoughby was tipped to become the next Cilla, with the presenter lining up a string of big-money deals worth up to £10million. The revival was previously being considered by Holly's husband Dan Baldwin, and the star had previously stepped into Cilla's shoes when she hosted a reboot of Surprise Surprise. An insider told The Sun at the time: 'There might not sound like obvious parallels between Holly and Cilla, but they're both two of the biggest stars of modern telly. 'Emulating Cilla isn't just about taking on her shows, it's as much about carving out a niche as a solo presenter with serious clout in the world of telly. 'But together with her husband Dan, they form the ultimate power couple in TV. She has the public appeal that gets viewers tuning in, while he has a track record of making hugely successful TV shows.' When asked about other shows he'd love to reboot, Dan suggested Blind Date, saying: 'Another one you'd like to see back, Blind Date, are we ready for that? What a Saturday night that was. I'm thinking Blind Date with Claudia Winkleman on BBC1.' Cilla was also married to a big figure in the TV industry, with her husband Robert 'Bobby' Willis, taking over as her manager after Brian Epstein's death in 1967, and negotiating her deal with LWT, which made her one of TV's highest-paid stars. During Blind Date's final year, Cilla was said to be earning £17,000 a week, or £884,000 a year, which is the equivalent of £2million in today's money. Holly had also praised Cilla for being a huge trailblazer for TV presenters in the 1980s and 1990s. The legendary star died in 2015 aged 72. And it appears Holly now has the time for another hosting stint after her Netflix series Celebrity Bear Hunt was axed after one season. The show is also reportedly hoping to get Davina (pictured) in the mix The programme, which was set in Costa Rica and was hosted by Holly alongside Bear Grylls, will not return despite the star saying that he was hopeful it would. Sources close to the show which aired in February told the Mail that while the ratings did well it was expensive to make and Netflix is now planning to do more live events rather than pre-recorded shows. One told MailOnline: 'Everyone was very proud of the show but when it came to it, it was just so expensive to make. You had to have a whole set in Costa Rica, loads of staff and loads of celebrities. The overheads were eyewatering.' It is understood that cheaper locations were looked at but nothing appeared to be suitable.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Blind Date reboot set for huge return with Love Island inspired twist
Iconic dating show Blind Date is set for another reboot with it said to be getting a Love Island-style twist when it airs on Disney+ One of the most iconic gameshows is set to return to our screens, but with a twist. Fans of eighties television will be buzzing at the news that Blind Date is set for a reboot. The dating show which was hosted by Cilla Black is set for a revival. However, instead of its previous ITV home, the show is set to appear on Disney+. And in a dramatic twist, the show will see contestants spend time on a tropical island as hopefuls compete for a dream wedding on the golden sands. An insider claims the show will have "hints of Love Island about it". Talking to the Sun, the source said it's a "radical departure" from the old style Blind Date. They told the publication: "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.' And they added that not all of the old characteristics will be eliminated, with plans still set to incorporate the show's famous sliding wall. The source went on to say the show's producers hope to "hire a top female host just like Cilla". It's said a star-studded line-up of female hosts are being eyed up to step into Cilla's shoes. Among those being rumoured are Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall and The Traitors ' Claudia Winkleman. It's unknown whether the show will provide a replacement for voiceover Graham Skidmore, aka 'Our Graham'. The show's return was speculated earlier this month, 22 years after it last aired. The ITV show originally aired on Saturday nights from 1985-2003. At the time, saw hundreds of couples meet for the first time looking for love. Like most dating shows, many didn't last past the studio doors, however a number of couples did make it all the way to the alter. Any reboot won't be the first time the show has been revived. Most recently, in 2017, the show made its return on Channel 5. It came 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.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show
lorra lorra sun Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 Cilla Black in the Eighties on ITV, was being revived by Disney+. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 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 Maya Jama— where contestants will compete for a dream wedding on the golden sands. 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.' Cilla was at the helm for 18 years on the show which saw a contestant firing questions at three hopefuls concealed from their view by a wall — which slid back to reveal their chosen date. One of the hopefuls in 1991 was Amanda Holden. 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. 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. 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 Katherine will also be serving up some nerve-racking moments as single mum Jo Conran whose life is turned upside down by crooks. 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'. The Celebrity Traitors star told podcast Extraordinary Life Stories: 'I was planning to write a TV series in which this kid comes to a school and completely changes it.' 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. "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 Will Sharpe came over all prudish about a sex scene in upcoming Netflix rom-com series Too Much . . . well, compared with the Americans on set. He cringed as US actress Megan Stalter, who plays the lead role in the show about an American woman coping with a new life in London, joked with the show's US creator Lena Dunham after the X-rated action. 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.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show
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 Cilla Black in the Eighties on ITV, was being revived by Disney+. 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 Maya Jama — where contestants will compete for a dream wedding on the golden sands. 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.' Cilla was at the helm for 18 years on the show which saw a contestant firing questions at three hopefuls concealed from their view by a wall — which slid back to reveal their chosen date. One of the hopefuls in 1991 was Amanda Holden. 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. 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 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. On Corrie she played feisty barmaid Becky McDonald, while now she's cabin crew on new Channel 4 thriller In Flight. 4 4 Katherine will also be serving up some nerve-racking moments as single mum Jo Conran whose life is turned upside down by crooks. 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'. The Celebrity Traitors star told podcast Extraordinary Life Stories: 'I was planning to write a TV series in which this kid comes to a school and completely changes it.' 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. "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.' SEX JOKE BIT MUCH FOR WILL BRIT actor Will Sharpe came over all prudish about a sex scene in upcoming Netflix rom-com series Too Much . . . well, compared with the Americans on set. He cringed as US actress Megan Stalter, who plays the lead role in the show about an American woman coping with a new life in London, joked with the show's US creator Lena Dunham after the X-rated action. 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!''
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Art student's murals showcase Liverpool's 'rich heritage'
A series of new murals created by a fine art student have been unveiled on the top floor of a Liverpool car park to pay homage to the city's "rich heritage".Alicia Woolley, of Liverpool John Moores University, made the new art installation on the top floor of St Johns Shopping work is described as "a powerful celebration of Liverpool's rich cultural heritage, immortalising icons and landmarks through bold, bright digital collages". The final year student said: "This city has such a powerful identity with its music, its humour and its people. I hope these images encourage people to stop, look up, and feel a little more joy in their day." Work began in March on the murals, which include figures such as The Beatles, Cilla Black and double world champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, as well as the colours of Liverpool and Everton football city's architectural gems - the Three Graces, chinatown, St Johns Beacon, The Metropolitan Cathedral and Royal Albert Dock - also take pride of place in the designs. A special unveiling event took place attended by the artist's family and friends and more than 60 invited guests, including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Richard Kemp 5ft (1.5m) high mural span 475ft (145m) of wall, encapsulating an area about the same size as a tennis court. Originally from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, Ms Woolley was awarded a Discovery Internship through the scheme aims to enhance students' employability skills and to gain career insight by working with local organisations in the Liverpool City Region. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
