Maura Higgins Confirmed as Host of Blind Date Reboot for Disney+ in Biggest TV Role of Her Career
Longford native Maura Higgins has been confirmed as the host of a new 10-part reboot of Blind Date for Disney+, in what is being described as the biggest television role of her career and a significant moment for Irish talent in the British and international television industry, with the series expected to stream in 2027 and Higgins stepping into the shoes of the late Cilla Black.
Background
Blind Date is one of British television's most beloved formats, having run on ITV from 1985 to 2003 under the hosting of Cilla Black, whose warmth, wit, and ability to connect with contestants and audiences made the show a Saturday night institution. The format — in which a contestant selects a date from three hidden candidates behind a screen, based solely on their answers to questions — was simple but endlessly entertaining, and Black's hosting was central to its success.
The show was revived on Channel 5 between 2017 and 2019, hosted by the late Paul O'Grady, but failed to recapture the magic of the original run and was cancelled after two series. The Disney+ reboot represents a more ambitious attempt to bring the format back, with the streaming platform's global reach and production resources providing a platform that the Channel 5 revival lacked.
Maura Higgins, who grew up in Longford and rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, has built a television career that spans reality competition, presenting, and entertainment formats. Her appearances on The Traitors US — where she reached the final — and her hosting of Love Island USA: Aftersun and Love Island Games: Aftersun demonstrated her ability to handle live television and to connect with audiences across different formats and markets. She is also scheduled to appear on Dancing with the Stars in autumn 2026, adding to a busy schedule that now includes the Blind Date hosting role.
Key Developments
The announcement was made on 26 August, with Disney+ confirming that Higgins had been selected to host the 10-part series. Angela Jain, the head of content at Disney+ EMEA, described Higgins as the "perfect match" for the series, citing her "straight-talking humour," "wit," and "gravitas" as qualities that will help bridge the gap to new audiences. Producers reportedly sought Higgins for her international recognition and the "cheeky charm" she brings, which executives noted has echoes of Cilla Black's original hosting style.
The reboot will maintain the core premise of the original format — a contestant selecting a suitor from three hidden candidates — but will incorporate "unique, innovative, and head-turning format twists" that have not yet been disclosed. The series is expected to film at a secret location later in 2026, with streaming on Disney+ anticipated in 2027. Sean Doyle, the vice president of unscripted at Disney+ EMEA, commissioned the series, and production is being handled by a production company with experience in dating and entertainment formats.
Higgins herself described the role as a dream come true, expressing her admiration for Cilla Black and her excitement about bringing the format to a new generation of viewers. She noted that Blind Date was a show she watched as a child and that the opportunity to host it felt both surreal and deeply meaningful.
Why It Matters
Higgins's appointment as host of Blind Date is significant for several reasons. It represents the most substantial presenting role yet secured by an Irish reality television personality, and it demonstrates that the path from Love Island contestant to mainstream television presenter — a route that has been travelled by several British alumni of the show — is now open to Irish talent as well. The Disney+ platform gives the show a global reach that the original ITV run never had, meaning that Higgins will be presenting to audiences not just in Ireland and the UK but across Europe, North America, and beyond. For Irish television talent more broadly, the appointment is a reminder that the international market for Irish presenters and performers is growing, driven by the global expansion of streaming platforms and the increasing appetite for Irish voices and perspectives in international entertainment. Higgins joins a cohort of Irish presenters — including Laura Whitmore, Dáithí Ó Sé, and Kathryn Thomas — who have built significant careers in British and international television.
Local Impact
In Longford, the announcement was met with considerable pride. Higgins, who grew up in Ballymahon, has remained closely connected to her home county despite her international profile, and local businesses and community groups have been quick to celebrate her success. The Longford Leader described the appointment as "a proud moment for the county" and noted that Higgins has consistently spoken warmly of her Longford roots in interviews. The announcement is also likely to generate interest in the Disney+ platform among Irish viewers who may not previously have subscribed, as the prospect of watching a Longford woman host one of television's most iconic formats is a compelling draw.
What's Next
Filming for the Blind Date reboot is expected to begin later in 2026, with the precise location and production schedule to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Disney+ has indicated that the series will stream in 2027, though a specific release date has not yet been announced. Higgins is also expected to appear on Dancing with the Stars in autumn 2026, meaning that Irish television audiences will have multiple opportunities to see her in action before the Blind Date series arrives. The announcement has already generated significant social media interest, with the hashtag #BlindDate trending on Irish Twitter within hours of the news breaking.
