A classic game show is making a comeback after several years away, with a popular TV star now confirmed as the host.
Maura Higgins has been announced as the new host of the rebooted Blind Date on Disney+.
The Irish TV personality, known for her appearance on Love Island UK, will front the return of the iconic British dating show, set to return to screens in 2027.
Blind Date originally aired on ITV from 1985 and was famously hosted by the late Cilla Black.
Maura Higgins to host Disney+ Blind Date reboot
Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, said: "Maura is the perfect match for our version of Blind Date.
"Her distinctive straight-talking humour, coupled with her experience as a reality dating show contestant, means we know she has the gravitas plus the wit to bring Blind Date to new audiences.
"We’re very much looking forward to Maura helping our daters navigate their own journeys to find love as she steps into the famed Blind Date host role."
Ms Higgins has built a global following after finishing as a finalist on Love Island UK, before hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun.
She also appeared on The Traitors U.S. earlier this year, finishing as runner-up, and will appear on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
The new Blind Date will follow the original format, with contestants choosing between three unseen suitors separated by the classic Blind Date wall.
Disney+ has teased new format twists and "a spicy dose of drama" for the modernised series.
Filming will begin later this year at a yet-to-be-revealed location.
The show has been commissioned as a 10-episode Hulu Original series by Sean Doyle, vice president of unscripted at Disney+ EMEA.
Blind Date to return to screens after 8 years
Blind Date first aired in 1985 and became a staple of Saturday night television for nearly 20 years, regularly attracting millions of viewers.
The show led to three real-life weddings, with Ms Black attending each of them.
Following her death in 2015 at the age of 72, the format was briefly revived by Channel 5, with Paul O'Grady taking over as host.
It last aired in 2019, with the new reboot next year coming eight years after its last TV appearance.
The new reboot aims to introduce the format to a fresh generation of viewers, with Ms Higgins bringing her humour and experience in the dating show genre to the role.
More details about the series, including its launch date and cast, will be announced in the coming months.
What do you think about Blind Date returning? Let us know in the comments.
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