BLIND DATE IS BACK & TV ROYALTY IS TAKING OVER!

BLIND DATE IS BACK & TV ROYALTY IS TAKING OVER!

The year was 1985. Shoulder pads were in, big hair reigned supreme, and a brand new dating show captivated the nation.Blind Date, hosted by the effervescent Cilla Black, arrived on ITV, promising a whirlwind of awkward encounters and hopeful connections.

The premise was simple, yet undeniably compelling. One single person faced a panel of three potential suitors, answering revealing questions while hidden from view. The goal? To choose one for a date, based solely on personality and wit.

For nearly two decades,Blind Datebecame a cultural touchstone, a weekly dose of lighthearted romance and unforgettable characters. Cilla Black, with her warm humor and genuine empathy, became synonymous with the show, guiding countless hopefuls through the often-hilarious process of finding love.

Television programmes: THE STORY OF ITV: THE PEOPLES CHANNEL CILLA BLACK with contestants on Blind Date 1985. THE STORY OF ITV: THE PEOPLES CHANNEL looks at the network s 50 year history and talks to many of the players, celebrities and key executives who helped shape Britain s most popular commercial channel. The five-part series is written and presented by Melvyn Bragg, presenter and editor of ITV1 s The South Bank Show and Granada s Controller of Arts and Features. Programme 1 - 'The Peoples Channel' This programme tells the story of how ITV came into being, how its character was formed, and how it developed a uniquely warm relationship with people. ITV first aired from London s Guildhall on 22nd September 1955 at 7.15pm. From the outset the channel reached for the stars to attract its viewers. Lew Grade created ATV to give ITV showbiz sparkle and programmes such as Sunday Night at the London Palladium became must-see television. But the birth of ITV was plagued with problems. ITV s troubled gestation in the 1950s was the source of heated debates in parliament. In the north, the Bernstein brothers Granada gave us Coronation Street, the country s favourite soap and its creator, Tony Warren, describes where it came from and its grip on people s imagination. This programme also explores how ITV has put ordinary people on the box. Ant and Dec, Chris Tarrant and Nicholas Parsons look back at the quiz and games shows, Simon Cowell at the talent shows and Jeremy Beadle at the hidden camera programmes. ITV Picture contact - Sandra Powell - 020 7261 3466 This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV. Once made available by ITV Plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the TX date and no reproduction fee will be charged.

The show briefly returned to television in 2017, this time on Channel 5, with Paul O’Grady taking the helm. While a nostalgic nod to the original, it couldn’t quite recapture the magic of the Cilla Black era.

Now, whispers of a reboot are circulating, sparking both excitement and apprehension among fans. Discussions have turned to who could possibly fill Cilla’s iconic shoes, with names like Alan Carr and Alison Hammond frequently mentioned as potential hosts.

Meanwhile, Emily Atack, known for her sharp wit and candid honesty, recently announced her engagement. Sharing a romantic snapshot from her holiday, she proudly displayed her sparkling diamond ring.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (941264ql) 'Blind Date' TV - 2002 - Tommy Sandhu with Cilla Black and Charlie. ITV ARCHIVE

Atack has also been a vocal advocate for safer working environments in the entertainment industry. She bravely spoke out about experiencing sexual assault on set, highlighting the crucial role of intimacy coordinators in protecting performers.

She recounted instances of feeling dismissed when raising concerns about safety, and emphasized the importance of the #MeToo movement in fostering a shift towards respectful behavior on set. Her willingness to share her experiences has undoubtedly empowered others to speak out.

The upcoming reboot is reportedly destined for Disney Plus, a move that signals a desire to introduce a new generation to the charm ofBlind Date. Whether it can live up to the legacy of the original remains to be seen.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (722486lg) 'Blind Date' TV Andrea Tongue, Cilla Black & Piers Liron ITV ARCHIVE