Television bosses are reportedly lining up actress and comedian Emily Atack to present a major revival of the classic dating show Blind Date for streaming service Disney+.
A New Host for a Legendary Format
The search for a host to fill the shoes of the late, great Cilla Black appears to be focusing on the 36-year-old star. According to reports, producers see Atack as the perfect, relatable choice to front the show, which is due to begin filming in the new year. A source emphasised that executives want "someone youthful, fun, glamorous but also relatable to the youngsters" who will be contestants.
Interestingly, Emily Atack has a personal connection to the show's original host. Her mother, Kate Robbins, once wrote the theme tune for Cilla Black's hit series Surprise! Surprise! and even provided the voice for her puppet on Spitting Image.
A Tropical Island Twist
The reboot, first revealed by the Daily Mail earlier this year, promises a sensational return after 22 years off air, but with a significant modern update. The new version is set to take place on a tropical island, drawing clear inspiration from the success of ITV's Love Island.
Contestants will reportedly compete for a dream wedding on golden sands. A TV insider described it as a "radial departure" but noted that the steamy, sunny foreign dates were always a staple of the original. The iconic format, where a contestant questions three hidden suitors before a sliding wall reveals their match, is expected to be retained.
Why Atack Fits the Bill
Producers are said to be keen on a high-profile female host in the spirit of Cilla Black, and believe Atack's personality and candidness about her own love life make her an ideal fit. The source added, "She’d be an inspiration to many of the people looking for love and happiness, but also a famous face that many people view as someone they could relate to."
Disney+ is expected to make an official announcement about the Blind Date revival soon, though specific details remain closely guarded. The Daily Mail has contacted both Disney+ and Emily Atack's representatives for comment.
