Iconic dating show Take Me Out set to return with a new host

After 11 series over a nine year period, iconic dating show Take Me Out with Paddy McGuinness was axed by ITV/STV bosses back in 2019, leaving fans gutted!

Now, seven years after it was taken off air, reports are rife the popular show has been revived, with bosses now on the lookout for a new female host to bring in new audiences to the format.

A source told The Sun: "Take Me Out was absolutely huge in the 2010s and was a stalwart of the primetime light entertainment schedule.

“Execs at Fremantle, the production company behind the reboot, want to ensure it has the same cheeky tone as the original. That’s what set it apart from more serious dating formats which rely on beef and drama — and made it such a fun watch."

The source went on to add bosses would like a new female presenter such as Olivia Attwood or Emily Atack, adding: “Emily and Olivia’s quick wit and timing make them favourites and Maya Jama was also considered perfect, but her links to Love Island make that tricky.

“Plans are in development now and talks are underway with streamers including Netflix but the landscape of TV is ever-changing, so the reboot could take a number of forms.”

When will Take Me Out be back?

There's no date for the rebooted series, with talks still in the early stages.

What channel will it be on?

Talks are reportedly currently underway with a number of streamers right now.

Who will be the new host?

Nothing has been confirmed just yet, but actress Emily Atack, reality star Olivia Attwood, and model Leomie Anderson are all being considered by bosses.

Who hosted the old series?

Paddy McGuinness hosted all 11 series of the original show, with his one liners such as "No likey, no lighty" and "Let the crown see the jewels" becoming a huge part of the show.

Posting on social media back in 2019, when the show was axed, Paddy said in a video: "Hello friends, well, after 11 series, it’s time to say goodbye to Take Me Out. Eight weddings, six babies and a generation of youngsters who’ve grown up watching us on Saturday night TV.

"Over 10 years ago, ITV took a punt on myself and the show, and for that I'll be eternally grateful. 10 years, god that’s before Tinder and Snapchat, Twitter was a little baby, Instagram wasn’t even a thing and Whatsapp, well, that were just witchcraft.

"What I’m most proud of is that the success of Take Me Out put dating shows back on the TV map. Thank you to all the boys who braved the love lift and, most importantly, to the stars of the show: the girls. I’m going to miss spending my Saturday nights with you. And for one last time it's lights out, all out."

Why was the show axed?

Although no exact reason was given for the show's cancellation, bosses confirmed the sad news in a statement in 2019.

An ITV spokesman said: "After 11 series we have decided to say goodbye to Take Me Out. We'd like to thank Paddy, the production team at Thames as well as all the contributors who have appeared on the show for all their hard work in making the show such unmissable television."

A production source added: "We’re really sad to see the end of Take Me Out but after 11 years, eight weddings and six babies, for now, our work here is done. Over the years, Paddy has been the dream host and everyone involved from the hard-working crew through to the contestants have been fantastic.

"It's sad to see the end of such an iconic show but we have lots of exciting projects with the channel lined up."

How can I watch old series?

All 11 series of Take Me Out are available to watch on Apple TV now.

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.