Holly Willoughby is reportedly in discussions to join BBC as the potential host of a reviewed version of ‘Blind Date’, the iconic dating show originally fronted by Cilla Black.

This development follows confirmation that the 44-year-old will not be returning to ITV’s reboot of You Bet! which was relaunched in August 2024 after a 27-year hiatus. The revival had initially been linked to Willoughby, with her husband, producer Dan Baldwin, playing a key role in development.

The popular presenter, who currently leads Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, has long been associated with nostalgic TV revivals. She previously hosted ITV’s reboot of ‘Surprise Surprise’, another show made famous by ‘Cilla Black’.

A source close to the matter revealed, ‘Holly is looking to carve out her own space as a solo presenter with natural clout.’

The mother of three is widely-known for her appearance on ‘This Morning’ before stepping down in October 2023 following a harrowing kidnapping plot, leading her to immediately exit the show after more than a decade.

Her departure followed the controversial exit of the co-host Phillip Schofield, who resigned amid shocking revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a younger colleague.