Disney+ is reviving classic ITV dating show from the 1980s

Maura Higgins, who rose to fame on ITV2’s Love Island, will front a Disney+ reboot of the beloved series, which originally aired on ITV from 1985 to 2003.

The show was originally hosted by the late Cilla Black, and it was later revived by Channel 5 in 2017, with Paul O’Grady as presenter.

Blind Date to return to screens with Maura Higgins as host

A source told The Sun’s TV Biz: “Discussions are at an advanced stage, with the show’s producers convinced Maura’s the perfect choice for the job.”

The source highlighted Higgins’ background in dating entertainment and her growing international profile.

They said: “Not only did she shoot to fame on a TV dating contest, she is now an internationally famous face which is what a global service like Disney need for one of their shows.

“Maura also has an unquestionable glamour combined with cheeky charm which has echoes of Blind Date’s most famous host.”

News of the Disney+ reboot follows earlier reports that Higgins was in talks with the streaming giant about a presenting role.

A source previously told The Sun: “Maura is keeping her cards close to her chest but she couldn’t help but tell pals she’s reading scripts for Disney.

“Everyone – including Maura – is stunned at how well her career in the US is going. This is just the beginning.”

There has also been speculation that Higgins could appear as the next lead on The Bachelorette, after ABC reportedly put another contestant’s season on hold following legal concerns.

Despite her growing success, Higgins has spoken recently about wanting to move beyond her reality TV origins.

She told Cosmopolitan: “Obviously, I’ll always love Love Island because that’s where it all started. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.

“But I think it’s nice to venture away from that. I’ve been classed as an Islander for the last seven years.

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“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.

“Now that I’m finally only just starting to distance myself, I’m like, Oh my god, it was all worth it.

“I feel like starting on Love Island is why everyone’s so invested in my love life and wants to know whether I’m single or dating.”

Would you like to see Blind Date return to screens? Let us know in the comments.