Legendary dating show set to return with Claudia Winkleman at the helm as TV ... trends now
TV boss Dan Baldwin has teased the return of legendary dating show Blind Date, 39 years since its first episode.
He pegged to Claudia Winkleman, 52, to host the iconic show following the successful relaunch of Gladiators and Wheel of Fortune.
Dan, who is behind the reboot of Gladiators, revealed that he hopes to relaunch the dating show, which was originally hosted by Cilla Black.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 yesterday, Dan, who is married to Holly Willoughby, said: 'You always look at old shows that are no longer on television.
'The Hungry Bear Media boss, added: 'You are always coming up with new ways of bringing back a show.
TV boss Dan Baldwin has teased the return of legendary dating show Blind Date, 39 years since its first episode, with Claudia Winkleman as the host
Dan, who is behind the reboot of Gladiators, revealed that he hopes to relaunch the dating show, which was originally hosted by Cilla Black
'As well as coming up with new ideas, we've always got one eye on what could come back and what could be a hit like Gladiators is.
'Another one that you'd like to see back, Blind Date, are we ready for that? What a Saturday night that was. I'm thinking Blind Date with Claudia Winkleman on BBC1, how about it?'
Blind Date first fit British screens in 1985 with the iconic Cilla Black as the host.
The legendary programme ran until May 2003 before it was revived by Channel 5 in 2017.
Paul O'Grady was selected to be the man presiding over the matchmaking before the show ended in 2019.
During his interview, Dan also confirmed there would be a celebrity version of Gladiators.
He quipped: 'There is nail-biting drama in this show and the underdog coming through.
'And I think as with all sporting events, some of the action and drama is thrilling and you can't write it.
'I think that you're always going to get that on Gladiators.
Blind Date first fit British screens in 1985 with the iconic Cilla Black as the host
The legendary programme ran until May 2003 before it was revived by Channel 5 in 2017. Paul O'Grady was selected to be the man presiding over the matchmaking before the show ended in 2019
'Seeing these physical specimens going head-to-head and the underdog coming out, the doctor or the nurse or the teacher winning, there is always room for that and that's just part of our culture to enjoy moments like that.
'I think Gladiators is here to stay, I'm going to say, it's here to stay.'
The exciting news comes just days after Claudia fought back tears as she bid farewell to her BBC Radio 2 show.
The presenter, who announced she was leaving her programme after 15 years on air in December, was feeling grateful as she wrapped her final show.
She told her listeners: 'We've come to the end and I'm allergic to goodbyes but I do want to say many thanks yous, I would like to thank Helen and everyone at Radio 2.'
Sounding like she was fighting back tears as her voice quivered, Claudia added: 'But my biggest thanks are to you the listeners, I have worked in telly for 24 years and I have
