The legendary matchmaking show is set for a revival, with the Irish reality star taking the helm of the streaming platform’s new version.
Maura Higgins, the Irish television personality who rose to fame through Love Island, will lead the rebooted Blind Date on Disney+.
The show is slated for a 2027 return, coming back to screens after nearly a decade away.
Originally launched on ITV in 1985 with the late Cilla Black as its iconic presenter, the format became a Saturday evening staple, drawing massive audiences for almost two decades.
Disney+ is now putting its own spin on the classic dating show, promising innovative changes and increased excitement for contemporary viewers.
Angela Jain, Disney+ EMEA’s head of content, expressed confidence in the new appointment.
She noted that Higgins possesses the ideal combination of direct humor and practical experience from competing in reality dating programmes, suggesting she has both the authority and entertainment value needed to bring Blind Date to fresh audiences.
Jain added that the platform eagerly anticipated watching Higgins guide contestants through their romantic pursuits as she assumes the celebrated hosting position.
Higgins accumulated an international fanbase following her appearance as a finalist on Love Island UK.
She subsequently hosted the companion show Love Island USA: Aftersun and competed on the American edition of The Traitors earlier this year, reaching the final.
She is also preparing to appear in the forthcoming series of Dancing with the Stars.
The revived Blind Date will maintain the traditional structure, with participants selecting from three concealed potential partners positioned behind the show’s characteristic partition wall.
Disney+ has indicated that the modernised version will include fresh format modifications and heightened dramatic elements.
Production commences later this year at an undisclosed location.
The series has been ordered as a ten-episode Hulu Original by Sean Doyle, Disney+ EMEA’s vice president of unscripted programming.
Blind Date first premiered in 1985 and dominated Saturday night viewing for almost twenty years, regularly achieving multi-million audiences.
The programme facilitated three marriages between contestants, with Black present at each ceremony.
Following her passing in 2015 aged 72, Channel 5 briefly revived the format with Paul O’Grady as presenter.
The programme concluded its previous run in 2019, meaning the new iteration arrives eight years after its most recent broadcast.
The revival intends to present the format to new generations, with Higgins bringing her comedic sensibility and background in the dating show genre to the presenting role.
Additional information regarding the series launch date and participants will be shared in the months ahead.