Maura Higgins To Host Disney+ Reboot Of 'Blind Date'

Maura Higgins, a former Love Island star, will host a Disney+ reboot of the iconic UK series Blind Date, which originally launched on ITV in 1985 and was hosted by Cilla Black. The new series will follow a similar format, with contestants choosing between three potential suitors hidden behind a wall, and is set to launch in 2027.

The original Blind Date was a staple of Saturday night TV for nearly 20 years, with well-liked Liverpudlian singer and actress Cilla Black as its host. The show was briefly revived by Channel 5 with Paul O'Grady taking over presenting duties after Black's death in 2015.

Maura Higgins, who was a finalist on Love Island in 2019, has been described by Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, as a 'shortcut' for a tone that is 'cheeky, fun, witty, and warm'. Higgins has also appeared on the US version of The Traitors and will compete on Dancing With the Stars this fall.

## What's New The new series of Blind Date is a Hulu Original series commissioned by Sean Doyle, VP of unscripted at Disney+ EMEA, and executive produced by Matthew Worthy and Kieran Doherty for Stellify Media and Graham Stuart for SO TV. The show promises to be 'bigger, better and bolder than ever' with a host of innovative format twists and a spicy dose of drama.

## Why It Matters The reboot of Blind Date is significant as it brings back a beloved UK series to a new audience. The show's format, which involves contestants choosing between three hidden suitors, has been a success in the past, with the original series yielding three real-life weddings during its run. The new series is expected to appeal to both old and new fans of the show, and Maura Higgins' hosting duties are likely to bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the format.

The show's launch in 2027 is also a significant move for Disney+, which has been expanding its content offerings in recent years. The streaming service has been looking to revive classic formats and bring them to a new audience, and the reboot of Blind Date is a key part of this strategy.