Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy NIOMI HARRIS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 11:20 BST, 26 August 2026 | Updated: 11:55 BST, 26 August 2026
Maura Higgins has landed her biggest TV job to date as she's officially been announced as the host of the Blind Date reboot. The former Love Island star, 35, was previously tipped to step into the late Cilla Black's shoes back in June amid the iconic dating show's upcoming return to screens.And on Wednesday, Disney+, who are making the programme, confirmed that the Irish beauty will be taking the helm.Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, said in a statement: 'Maura is the perfect match for our version of Blind Date.'Her distinctive straight-talking humour, coupled with her experience as a reality dating show contestant, means we know she has the gravitas plus the wit to bring Blind Date to new audiences.'We’re very much looking forward to Maura helping our daters navigate their own journeys to find love as she steps into the famed Blind Date host role.'Maura Higgins has landed her biggest TV job to date as she's officially been announced as the host of the Blind Date reboot The former Love Island star, 35, was previously tipped to step into the late Cilla Black's [pictured in 1995] shoes back in June amid the iconic dating show's upcoming return to screensMaura, who is currently competing on Dancing with the Stars, has seen her profile soar both in the UK and across the pond. After hosting the Love Island Games and Love Island USA: Aftersun last year, she gained an even bigger traction when she made it to the final of The Traitors US. So it is little wonder bosses have been eyeing her up for the big TV role, with a source stating back in June: 'Discussions are at an advanced stage, with the show’s producers convinced Maura’s the perfect choice for the job.They added to The Sun: '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.' Cilla Black hosted Blind Date from its debut in 1985 until the show was axed in 2003 after failing to hit the heights of its 18 million viewers-a-show heyday.The show was later revived in 2017 on Channel 5 with the late Paul O'Grady as the host, but the reboot only lasted two years. The premise of Blind Date saw singletons get to know a series of potential dates from behind a screen. Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, said in a statement: 'Maura is the perfect match for our version of Blind Date' Cilla Black hosted Blind Date from its debut in 1985 until the show was axed in 2003 after failing to hit the heights of its 18 million viewers-a-show heydayDepending on their answers, they would get to choose who they'd most like to go on a date with - and then see each other for the first time on the show. Last June it was revealed the show would be making a sensational comeback with Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby and Davina McCall all rumoured as hosts.However, the rebooted show, which is expected to air some time ne4xt year, has now found its new host in Maura.Maura of course has experience of dating shows, having shot to fame back on Love Island back in 2019 where she reached the final alongside her ex Curtis Pritchard. In addition to her successful modelling career, Maura has gone on to make several TV appearances as both a presenter and contestant, including Dancing On Ice, Glow Up Ireland, Supermarket Sweep, National Television Awards and Loose Women.
