Cilla Black returns for dating show

Rex Features

Cilla Black will return to TV screens to front Sky One's dating show Loveland.

The 65-year-old famously hosted the ITV dating show Blind Date for 18 years. At the peak of its popularity, the programme pulled in viewing figures of 17 million.

Loveland, pitched as a dating show with a 21st century twist, will see participants hide behind real-time animated characters instead of the Blind Date screen. After interacting with the animated alter-ego, the contestant will choose which hopeful to take on a date.

Black said of the new show: "Loveland captivated me with its modern-day twist on the dating format, bringing something new and exciting to the genre."

The series will broadcast on Sky One next year.

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