For 18 years, Blind Date featured one man choosing between three female contestants, or one woman choosing between three male ones.

But when the iconic show – the most popular and well-known dating format in British television history – returns to our screens after a 13-year absence it will feature lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender contestants, BuzzFeed News can reveal.



When news of its return was reported last month, no mention was made of how the show might be updated for 2017, and no information had been revealed about who might feature on it. But a member of the production company developing the new version, which will air later this year, has confirmed to BuzzFeed News that there "absolutely" will be LGBT contestants.

The member of staff also revealed in an email to BuzzFeed News that they were currently casting for the show and "in need of people from all sorts of different backgrounds".

And a casting producer for the show told BuzzFeed News: "Blind Date is for everyone."

Stonewall, the LGBT rights charity, commended the decision. "We’re thrilled that, for the first time ever, the returning Blind Date will be inclusive of same-sex relationships," a spokesperson told BuzzFeed News.

"Since the show’s end in 2003, representation of lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people has come a long way, and we hope to see Blind Date’s move inspire shows of a similar format to extend their remits to include LGBT people too. Not only will this send a strong message that LGBT people and their relationships are valid, but it can also enable viewers to learn more about LGBT people and their relationships."