Blind Date (UK TV series)

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Blind Date (UK)
Format Dating
Starring Cilla Black
Country of origin Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
No. of series 18
No. of episodes 356
Production
Producer(s) LWT
Running time 60mins (inc. comms)
Broadcast
Original channel ITV
Picture format 4:3
(1985 - 2001)
16:9
(2001 - 2003)
Original run 30 November 1985 – 24 May 2003
Chronology
Related shows Blind Date (US version)
External links
IMDb profile

Blind Date was 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.

[edit] 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', whose face 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 renowned throughout the UK.

The show adopted a dance remix as its new theme tune upon its release in 2000.

The series controversially 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 canceled, 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.

Novelty musicians the Barron Knights recorded a parody of "Three Little Maids" from The Mikado based on the show. Lyrics included "Three little maids on prime-time telly, one looks a sight and one a nelly, one flops around like unset jelly" and "Our Cilla always stands right next to this poor unsuspecting bloke, and every answer that the girls give is a double-meaning joke".

[edit] External links