Cilla's new dating show scrapped

Fri Aug 28 11:07AM by TV Editor

Cilla Black

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Cilla Black's comeback dating show has reportedly been dropped before it even reaches TV screens.

The programme was given the thumbs down by test audiences who said they would rather see the presenter back hosting Bline Date, reports The Sun.

The pilot episode of Loveland, which was produced for Sky1, saw contestants flirting with each other after being turned into computer characters and the show was billed as a '21st century dating show.'

A source told the paper: "People just did not like the show in the focus groups. They kept asking why we didn't just bring back Blind Date.

"Unfortunately, Cilla doesn't want to do Blind Date anymore so it's something we couldn't arrange. We don't always listen to what focus groups say but on this occasion the evidence was overwhelming that the show was rubbish."

Cilla sensationally quit Blind Date during a special live edition of the show back in 2003. Since then she has appeared as a judge on ITV's Soapstar Superstar and presented The Best TV Exits on Sky.

The news comes as ITV revealed it is working on its own new prime-time dating show which will be presented by comedian Paddy McGuinness.

The show, which is due to be broadcast next year, will see one man trying to find his perfect match among 30 women.

Are you disappointed by this news about Cilla's new show? Should she revive Blind Date? Let us know what you think...

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User comments

  • (1)

    She should retire gracefully

    Posted by: jdsheppard on Fri Aug 28 12:05PM | Report abuse
  • (2)

    NO! time she retired. Russell

    Posted by: rrussell79 on Fri Aug 28 12:05PM | Report abuse
  • (3)

    no not cilla black time for new blood most people think she is very false and connot sing

    Posted by: jdcorless on Fri Aug 28 12:08PM | Report abuse
  • (4)

    I liked Blind Date at the time but i can understand Cilla not wanting to bring it back. It's gone, we need something fresh and modern. I would like to see Cilla back as I think she great!

    Posted by: lorraine.pickett on Fri Aug 28 12:09PM | Report abuse
  • (5)

    Not at all! doesn't anyone know or the word Retirement!!

    Posted by: katherinewilliams358 on Fri Aug 28 12:09PM | Report abuse
  • (6)

    yes i do thing cilla should bring back blind date

    Posted by: susan.bayley2 on Fri Aug 28 12:09PM | Report abuse
  • (7)

    Its about time the TV companies started producing proper entertainment programmes and get away from the endless round of reality rubbish. PW

    Posted by: peter.williams81 on Fri Aug 28 12:10PM | Report abuse
  • (8)

    A lorra, lorra s**t

    Posted by: wwinward on Fri Aug 28 12:10PM | Report abuse
  • (9)

    Blind Date is out dated and was complete scripted rubbish. Why not do a show based on computer dating methods with people corresponding briefly then going on dates including all the apprehension and false hopes and expectations involved! Could be interesting!

    Posted by: jenimcg on Fri Aug 28 12:11PM | Report abuse
  • (10)

    Couldn't care less. Have we no entertainment? Ivor

    Posted by: ivor.reading on Fri Aug 28 12:11PM | Report abuse