Take Me Out ‘to return to ITV’ without Paddy McGuinness as new female host set to replace presenter

Executives at production company Fremantle are instead believed to be searching for a glamorous female host to front the revamped series, hoping to attract fresh audiences to the format.

A source said: “Take Me Out was absolutely huge in the 2010s and was a stalwart of the primetime light entertainment schedule.”

The insider added to The Sun that Fremantle bosses are keen to preserve the programme’s signature lighthearted spirit, noting it stood apart from rival dating shows that leaned more heavily on conflict and drama.

Among the names being discussed for the presenting role are actress Emily Atack, reality television personality Olivia Attwood, aged 35, and model Leomie Anderson.

Ms Atack, 36, has seen her profile rise considerably in recent years following her turn as Sarah Stratton in the Disney+ drama Rivals.

Ms Attwood already has hosting experience, having fronted two series of ITV’s Bad Boyfriends, with a third commissioned.

The former Love Island star is also a regular panelist on the daytime talk show, Loose Women.

The source said: “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.”

Ms Jama’s association with Love Island makes her involvement unlikely, despite being viewed as an ideal fit for the role.

The original programme ran for 11 series between 2010 and 2019, with Mr McGuinness at the helm throughout.

Its premise centred on a single man who would descend onto the stage via the “love lift” to face a panel of 30 women, each of whom could switch off their light if they were not interested.

Should any lights remain on by the end, the bachelor could select one woman for a date on the “Isle of Fernando’s”, otherwise known as Tenerife.

Mr McGuinness’s one-liners became synonymous with the show, from the famous “no likey, no lighty” to playful introductions such as “let the apple see the pie” and “let the hottie see the biscotti.”

The programme’s success extended well beyond ratings, producing eight marriages among contestants who found love on the series.

The revival remains at an early stage, with no confirmed broadcast date or platform.

The source revealed: “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.”

The insider noted that the format’s emphasis on giving women control, combined with its gentle comedic approach, made it inherently suited to modern sensibilities, suggesting very little would require updating.

As for Mr McGuinness, the Bolton comedian is currently developing a YouTube channel centred on fitness content, having last year completed the gruelling 75 Hard challenge.

GB News has contacted ITV for comment on the reports.