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 | | Tuesday, 23 April, 2002, 12:12 GMT 13:12 UK Blind Date denies 'Idol revamp'  Popular host: Cilla and a contestant Long-running ITV dating show Blind Date is to get a revamp for its new series - but producers have denied it is going get get a Pop Idol-style makeover. A newspaper report claims London Weekend Television has "pinched" ideas from the talent show as part of a �1m relaunch. But a LWT spokeswoman told BBC News Online its changes would be minor, and would cost "a lot less" than �1m, she said.
A sister show taking a behind-the-scenes look at the couples' dates was being considered, she added. "We are in talks with ITV2 about doing a spin-off programme," she said. But she added: "We categorically are not looking to take any ideas from Pop Idol for the new series of Blind Date." Aspects of the long-running dating show, broadcast on ITV1, were updated every few years, she added. In 1996, for example, changes were made to the set and titles. The show, presented by Cilla Black, first went out on ITV 18 years ago. It quickly became the cornerstone of the network's Saturday evening schedule. Blind Date regularly attracts audiences of more than six million - though in its heyday, in the 1980s, it was watched by up to 14 million viewers. | | See also:  Top TV and Radio stories now:  Links to more TV and Radio stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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