Paul O’Grady has admitted he initially turned down the chance to front ‘Blind Date’, but changed his mind when he realised she would have found it hilarious.
The Liverpudlian comic was announced as the new host of the upcoming Channel 5 reboot of the classic dating show, taking over from his late best friend, who presented its entire original run from 1985 to 2003.
Speaking to The Mirror about succeeding Cilla in the role, he said: “When they asked me I said no, because it’s so firmly associated with Cilla.
“Then I had a think and I had a mental image of her sitting on the couch with
a glass of champagne, screaming with laughter.
Paul also insisted the new series would honour Cilla’s memory, as well as remaining “true” to its roots of good, clean humour.
A shake-up of the show will see LGBT+ contestants able to participate, unlike in the original ITV series, a move which Paul hailed as “brilliant”.
Cilla’s son, Robert, previously spoke out to praise Paul’s casting, telling The Mirror: “Mum would have been very happy. If there was anyone she’d have wanted to do it, it would be him. He’ll make it his own.
“With Paul at the helm, there’ll be a lot of laughter.”
It has also been rumoured Paul will be joined on ‘Blind Date’ by ‘I’m A Celebrity’ winner-turned-presenter Vicky Pattison, who Robert had previously been supportive of when she was first linked to the show.
‘Blind Date’ launches on Channel 5 in the summer.