Blind Date fans divided as Disney confirms reboot with Cilla Black replacement and major format change

The 35-year-old Irish television personality first rose to prominence on the fifth series of Love Island in 2019 and has since built a substantial career across reality television on both sides of the Atlantic, including appearances on I’m A Celebrity and the American edition of The Traitors.

Meanwhile, Blind Date originally ran on ITV for nearly two decades, with Ms Black at the helm from 1985 until 2003.

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The format paired strangers on stage, separated by a partition, as a single contestant posed questions to three hidden potential matches before selecting one for a date.

The programme produced numerous memorable television moments, perhaps none more famous than Ms Black’s on-air confrontation with a Cosmopolitan journalist who had infiltrated the show undercover.

“I feel awfully, deeply saddened by this,” Ms Black told the imposter before a live studio audience. “But you don’t work as a temporary secretary; I know for a fact that actually you’re an undercover journalist and you’ve robbed somebody of coming on a proper blind date.”

Following Ms Black’s departure, the late Paul O’Grady fronted a Channel 5 revival that ran from 2017 to 2019.

The rebooted series will comprise 10 episodes, with filming set to take place in Mexico later this year and a 2027 broadcast planned.

While the classic format of choosing between three suitors concealed behind a wall remains intact, the new version introduces significant twists.

For instance, once couples are matched, they will spend the summer living together, with fresh potential partners always waiting behind the partition.

Mr Doyle explained that Blind Date offered Disney+ “instant” recognition in what he acknowledged was a “crowded market” for dating programmes. The streamer first revealed plans for the reboot in 2025.

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Fans of the original series wasted no time in sharing their opinions on the upcoming reboot, and it’s safe to say the verdict was split.

Complaints soon rained in, targeting the revamped show’s changes to the format made famous by Ms Black, while others criticised the decision to pick Ms Higgins to front the series.

On X, one critic mused: “I know its a reboot but for me she hasn’t got the charisma that could match Cilla’s #BlindDate.”

“This new show has nothing to do with the original show,” a second added, targeting the proposed format, while a third reacted: “So this isn’t Blind date then? Understood.”

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Elsewhere, a fourth took aim at the streamer’s creative direction, arguing: “Why do Disney see more value in Blind Date than Doctor Who? Nobody internationally will have even heard of Blind Date. Yes, it’s cheaper to make, but Doctor Who’s streaming deal deserved another shot.”

But others were quick to defend Ms Higgins and the dating show as a whole. “Should be great fun with Maura,” a fifth argued, alongside a series of applause emojis.

Ms Higgins took to Instagram following the announcement, ignoring the naysayers.

She took to the social media platform with the cryptic: “Iv been keeping a secret,” followed by a mischievous-looking emoji.

Ms Higgins shared the Love Island villa with fellow contestants including Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, who later married, alongside series winners Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea.

Her career has since expanded well beyond reality dating, with the Irish star building a profile in the United States through appearances on The Traitors US and Love Island’s American version, as well as securing a spot on Dancing with the Stars.

Speaking to Cosmopolitan in March, Ms Higgins reflected on her journey: “I’ve been classed as an Islander for the last seven years. You work so hard to try and get out of that box that you’re put in. It’s really difficult, and it takes a lot of work and perseverance.”

She described the Blind Date role as her transition away from contestant duties, having previously stated: “This is the last show I really want to do as a contestant.”