Last year, it was confirmed that classic dating show Blind Date would be getting a reboot on Disney+, and now it has been reported that Love Island star Maura Higgins is in discussions to serve as the show’s host.
Higgins would be taking on the role made famous by the late Cilla Black, who hosted the original Blind Date from 1985 to 2003 on ITV.
Since first appearing on Love Island in 2019, Higgins has gone on to host the Irish version of Glow Up, and appear as a contestant on Dancing on Ice, Cooking with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and The Traitors US.
She has also continued her association with Love Island, acting as the social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games, before more recently presenting Love Island USA: Aftersun and Love Island Games: Aftersun.
The report that Higgins will host Blind Date comes from The Sun, with a TV insider reportedly telling the publication that “discussions are at an advanced stage”.
Radio Times has reached out to Disney+ and representatives for Higgins for comment.
This wouldn’t be the first reboot of Blind Date, with the show having also aired on 5 from 2017 to 2019, hosted by the late Paul O’Grady.
The new Disney+ reboot will be made up of 10 episodes, and will begin in a secret Blind Date location, where contestants must choose between three potential suitors, hidden from view behind the legendary wall.
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Meanwhile, UK viewers will finally be able to watch Higgins on her season of The Traitors US, with season 4’s episodes airing from Thursday 18 June at 9pm on BBC Three and iPlayer.
Watch a trailer for The Traitors US season 4:
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
