Blind Date (UK TV series)

Infobox Television
show_name = Blind Date (UK)


caption =
format = Dating
picture_format = 4:3 (1985 - 2001) 16:9 (2001 - 2003)
runtime = 60mins (inc. comms)
creator =
starring = Cilla Black
channel = ITV
first_aired = 30 November, 1985
last_aired = 24 May, 2003
num_series = 18
num_episodes = 356
country = UK
producer = LWT
related = Blind Date (US version)
imdb_id = 0088486

"Blind Date" is a British dating game show produced by ITV contractor London Weekend Television. Although unscreened pilots were made with comic Duncan Norvelle as presenter, it was eventually hosted by Cilla Black, who already hosted the successful LWT series "Surprise, Surprise", and ran from 30 November, 1985 to 24 May, 2003.

Format

The show had a format similar to the TV show known in Australia as "Perfect Match" or as "The Dating Game". Three singles of the same sex were introduced to the audience. They were then asked questions by a single of the opposite sex, who could hear but not see them, in order to choose which one he or she would prefer to go on a date with. Before making a final decision the mysterious 'Graham', who was never seen, would give an amusing reminder of each of the contestants. When he or she made a choice, and been introduced, the couple would then get to randomly choose where they would go on the date (though in fact the "random choice" was fixed, as all of the envelopes offered to the contestants contained the same destination). The following episode then showed the film of the couple as they went on their date, and interviews with them about the date and about each other. This version was aimed at a family audience.

The locations for the date ranged greatly, from Bognor Regis, or a date in an ice cream factory as a typical example, to exotic locations such as Anguila or the Maldives. Part of the process was watching the anticipation and reaction of the contestants when their date was announced.

At its height of popularity in the 1980s, 14 million viewers tuned in on a Saturday night. Cilla's Scouse accent and her variety of catchphrases soon became familiar throughout the UK.

The show adopted a dance remix as its new theme tune upon its release in 1999.

The series ended in 2003 when, during the first episode of the series-the first in the show's history to be broadcast live-Cilla Black announced she was quitting the show. The production crew had not even been told this prior to the show themselves. Production of the show was halted after the series ended; Trisha Goddard, Dale Winton, Paul O'Grady, Ant and Dec, Claire Sweeney and Jerry Springer were all rumoured to be in line for her replacement, but subsequently, the show was cancelled, as it was felt that Cilla was irreplaceable as the show's host, having hosted it from its inception and having made it her own. However, the station then briefly aired a similar show hosted by Davina McCall,
Love on a Saturday Night.

Return

"The Sun" have reported that "Blind Date" will return to our screens due to Simon Cowell buying a share to the rights of the show. ITV boss Peter Fincham is rumoured to be giving the show the green light. Davina McCall, host of "Blind Date"'s initial replacement "Love on a Saturday Night", is the bookies favourite to take over Cilla Black as host. Holly Willoughby is also a joint favourite. [http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1397709.ece]

External links

* [http://www.ukgameshows.com/index.php/Blind_Date "Blind Date"] at UKGameshows.com