The Blind Date reboot already sounds like it’s trying too hard

It was Cilla’s version that captured the zeitgeist of dating shows in the 90s and early 00s (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

Even in a crowded field of TV dating shows, I was initially elated to hear Blind Date was returning to screens 22 years after Cilla Black said her final ‘ta-ra’.

Paul O’Grady briefly revived the classic dating show for two series in 2017 on Channel 5, but it never managed to set the stars alight and remains a largely forgotten jewel in his showbiz crown. 

Because it was Cilla’s version that captured the zeitgeist of dating shows in the 90s and early 00s. 

Her enthusiasm and unbridled camp was totally mesmerising to me.

Teamed with family-friendly sass from ‘our Graham’ and a format of one singleton picking a date from a panel of three strangers hiding behind a wall that never got tired, I loved Blind Date more than I’ve ever loved any of the countless dating shows that followed. 

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Once a date had been chosen, they’d be whisked away to a holiday selected by producers, which ranged from two days basking in golden sands and luxury in Antigua to hiking in Bognor Regis. 

Paul O’Grady briefly revived the classic dating show for two series in 2017(Picture: Mark Yeoman/PUBLICITY PICTURE/So Television)

Now, Disney+ has confirmed its Blind Date reboot. I was originally ecstatic, until I realised it actually sounds nothing at all like the original.

In an announcement on Monday, the streaming service said: ‘The new series will begin in a secret location, where contestants must choose between three potential suitors, hidden from view behind the legendary Blind Date wall.’

So far so good.

‘With a host of unique, innovative and head-turning format twists, our daters will see if forever love can truly grow as they spend the summer living together but potential new partners are always lurking behind the wall…’ 

Who can forget their oohs and ahhs at the latest cheesy chat up line (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

That might sound good – but it doesn’t sound like Blind Date. 

Essentially it’s Married At First Sight on an island, which sounds like a carbon copy of Davina McCall’s upcoming BBC dating show, Stranded on Honeymoon Island.

Maya Jama is also rumoured to be presenting — which presumably means she’s leaving Love Island to front… almost exactly the same show but with a Disney budget and paycheck. 

Maya Jama (pictured) is also rumoured to be presenting (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

But who’s it for? Everything about its new format sounds unoriginal and unappealing to the fans who care. Disney’s pitch does little to set Blind Date 2026 apart from the 1,000 other dating shows cluttering up streaming.

And with Love is Blind UK and Married at First Sight particularly at the top of their game, I’m struggling to see what the new Blind Date can bring to an already crowded market.

Except, of course, its heritage as ‘the most successful dating show of all time.’

Which makes you wonder why, if it was so loved, Disney is bothering to tinker with the format at all.