Blind Date paid tribute to its beloved former host Cilla Black as it returned to TV screens after 14 years.
New host Paul O’Grady offered some thoughts on his friend and predecessor in the dating programme’s first show since Channel 5 opted to reboot it.
He said: “It’s been 14 years since Blind Date has been on our screens and it was presented of course by the late, great and my friend, Miss Cilla Black.
“Let’s hear it for her. The woman who gave me two heart attacks and broke my nose in a Jacuzzi. Oh god, I don’t half miss her, I tell you.”
We're back! And here's a few bits you might not know about the show… #BlindDate #ItsBack pic.twitter.com/BxpV8nC9YM
— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) June 17, 2017
Cilla, who died in August 2015, hosted the dating show from 1985 until 2003.Its return was lauded after 14 years off TV screens.Paul was praised by viewers although the show’s set failed to impress.
If i'm honest it wouldn't matter what the dates are like, Paul O'Grady is my fave #BlindDate
— Helen With 6 (@waseuinton) June 17, 2017
The new #BlindDate set looks like a really tacky nightclub
— Russell (@Rustybobs) June 17, 2017
I love how on #BlindDate they're quite faithful to the original but I dislike the set, bit too much like a nightclub
— Bella (@ziabell) June 17, 2017
God I can't tell you how happy I am that #BlindDate is back on our screens and #paulogrady is hosting it our #cilla would be proud!!!!
— Blake Deveraux (@MrBlakeDeveruax) June 17, 2017
The 62-year-old host oversaw two match-ups and enjoyed making plenty of innuendos throughout.
"Standing there with a rose… What could I say?" Should always say yes to love, Caroline! pic.twitter.com/BdKSNaj3DI
— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) June 17, 2017
So nice to see this original innocent non-vulgar format show back and good ol' Paul O'Grady #BlindDate @channel5_tv
— Ernest Gromov (@ErnestGromov) June 17, 2017
The first single on the show since 2003 was 29-year-old Debbie from Southport, who chose to date Richard, 27, from Bristol, to the delight of the crowd.They were sent to play junkyard golf together while the second couple, Damian, 34, from Rugby, and Cara, 30, from Belfast, are off to play ping pong before returning for next week’s show.Channel 5′s decision to bring in Paul for the reboot was well received on Twitter, with fans warming to his sense of humour.
Paul O'Grady is great, as usual, but this has 'made to a budget' written all over it #BlindDate
— benlarder (@benlarder) June 17, 2017
I enjoyed the return of #BlindDate, Paul O'Grady is fabulous & funny but the dates were bought from Home Bargains. They were pathetic ??
— LMC (@ElemcyUK) June 17, 2017
Blind Date returns on Saturday June 24 at 7pm on Channel 5.