Vicky Pattison will be involved in Blind Date reboot

17 March 2017

Vicky Pattison will still be involved in the 'Blind Date' reboot.

Vicky Pattison

The former 'Geordie Shore' star was initially thought to be stepping into the late Cilla Black's shoes when the revamp of the dating show hits television screens but, although bosses have now decided that Paul O'Grady - who was best friends with the Liverpudlian star until her death in 2015 - is the best person to present the new series, the brunette beauty has reportedly still been asked to work on the programme.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Vicky is so excited to be working on such an iconic show as 'Blind Date'. She knows Paul is perfect to step into Cilla's shoes. To be considered to work alongside such a legend is a dream come true for her."

Paul, 61, was announced as the new host yesterday (16.03.17) and admitted he feels so "honoured" that he's been chosen to follow in his close friend's footsteps.

He said: "'Blind Date' is an incredibly special family show which brought laughter, tears and joy to TV viewers throughout out the land. I am honoured to present the brand new series and after speaking to Channel 5, I know the series is in safe hands. I can't wait to see if we can find love."

The classic game show was fronted by Cilla for almost two decades from 1985 until 2003 and, although a reboot has been in the pipeline for some time, she tragically passed away in 2015 following a fatal fall at her Spanish home.

Bosses are keen to keep some of the "traditional" elements of the previous run but have decided to give it an updated twist to appeal to a "new generation of viewers".

It's expected to run on Friday nights - rather than its traditional Saturday night slot - and will consist of six to eight episodes per series for the first few installments.

The programme sees three singletons grilled by a member of the opposite sex in order to find the perfect match without being able to see them. The new couple then pick an envelope with their holiday destination - abroad or in the UK - inside and will spend the next week trying to get to know one another.

Channel 5 have bought the rights to the dating show but they will have some stiff competition from ITV as it has 'Take Me Out' and 'Meet The Parents'.

'Blind Date' proved a hit with viewers for years but the plug was pulled in 2003 when Cilla announced she was quitting during a live episode following a drop in ratings.