[Kaz]

You'll all probably know that Cilla announced she'd be leaving Blind Date at the end of this series. Some VERY interesting names have been mentioned as her replacement (Article from Ananova)

Trisha favourite to step into Cilla's shoes

William Hill have installed chat show host Trisha as 3/1 favourite to succeed Cilla Black as the presenter of Blind Date.

Following Cilla's shock decision to step down, Hills say they have been inundated with punters wishing to bet on her successor.

They make Davina McCall 4/1 second favourite and also offer 8/1 on Ant & Dec, 10/1 Brian Dowling, 14/1 Paul O'Grady, and 16/1Cat Deeley, Graham Norton, and Dale Winton.

Also in the running are Ulrika Johnson at 25/1, Carole Smillie, Jerry Springer and Clare Sweeney (all at 33/1), and Lorraine Kelly, Melanie Sykes and Carol Vorderman (all 50/1).

Outsiders include Angus Deayton, Lulu, Des O'Connor and Tara Palmer Tomkinson who are all priced at 100/1.

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I think Davina would be excellent - she's plenty of experience at putting people at their ease and has a good rapport with the public.

Brian! Hadn't thought about him . . . . . . but why not?

[Mairi]

I think Davina would be brilliant as the new host of Blind Date. My second choice would be Claire Sweeney.

[em]

i think the show should be axed! Cilla *is* blind date! as good as Davina might be Cilla would be a very tough act to follow and I thinki most people think Blind date should go when Cilla goes. Davina could do better shows than just standing there and saying 'And your next question?', 'But you turned number 3, and how could you, that was our -------, from -----.'

axe it!!!! make way for new shows!!!!!!

[Sticks]

Who Cares!!

[WILDCHILD]

I agree with you em - Cilla Black made Blind Date what it is. You know the saying, 'Alls well that ends well' and they shouldnt be trying to sort out the format and getting new presenters. It has been running a while now with Cilla fronting it and it will be remembered as one of the decent game shows. Now they should drop it.

[bigbrofan]

I don't watch it but i would want Davina McCall to take over.

[LEE]

CLICK HERE to read an article from the Irish Examiner about this.

[Sticks]

She maintains she had not told the clairvoyant why she wanted to contact her husband, but was given the message: “You are frightened and excited. But Bobby says that is OK – you are doing the right thing.”

That message could apply to a number of things. A lot of these clairevoyants were proved to be frauds and charlatans by the likes of Harry Houdini and the Amazing Randi.

Cilla should just have quoted her reasons for leaving instead of trying to pass the decision on to someone else

[rachb]

I think that blind date has had its day now,I know someone that was on it years ago & they said that Cilla wasn't very nice to the contestants so maybe its time to replace it with something new

[LEE]

I've never been a particular fan of Blind Date, but have watched it occasionally.

I think that no matter what the program, if a presenter is very established and has become synonymous with the show it is always going to be very difficult to replace them and that ITV would be onto a loser whoever they chose.

Even though they have been trying to liven it up in this new series, Blind Date is a tired format and I think I agree with em, rachb and wildchild when they say it is time for it to go.

[steve_o]

yep get rid of it, it's a load of fixed rubbish.

[bbceleb1]

I agree steve o

[Feebs]

Well I can't watch Blind Date unless it's through my fingers, it just makes me cringe.

I doubt that a new host would make much difference. Definitely time to make room for some new blood.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Well, I thought

did a cracking version of it with Mr Clarke on BBLB I seem to remember!

[BusyBee]

To be honest - I think the best thing they could do would be to axe it. The programme has gone downhill steadily over the last few years. I think Cilla has seen the light and realised that she is better off getting out now rather than staying with a programme that is past its sell by date.

[Amy]

If Cilla is going so should the show!

BUT.................. If Dermot took over then it should stay

[dizzy bint]

It deserves to go, get rid of it. I haven't watched it for years.

As for Brian - he deserves something better than a worn out programme but he does have a track record of saving programmes when well loved presenters go. He should stay away from it, but obviously the public are betting on him or he wouldn't be getting odds.

[Janette]

Knowing that Cilla and Paul O'Grady are very close friends would possibly sway the chance for him to take over.

I think he'd be a good choice, not as Lily Savage but as himself. He's very funny when he's not acting the part of Lily

[Boris]

If Cilla is going so should the show!

...Is what I think also !

Hate to add I also agree with Sticks to a certain extent !!!![You will have to look back if you want to know what he said !

Sorry ! To be honest I enjoyed the 1st couple of series years ago but havn't watched it since.