RATINGS WAR RAGES
SATURDAY nights are set to host a three-way ratings fight as a trio of new entertainment shows battle for viewers.
Channel 5 launches its new version of Blind Date tonight against the BBC’s singing talent show Pitch Battle and ITV’s The Voice Kids.
Blind Date will kick off the chase for ® viewers by starting at 7pm. In the 1980s, the famous dating show – fronted by the late Cilla Black – was the most watched on a Saturday night on ITV, with ratings of up to 25million.
Insiders admit there is no way the new version – hosted by Paul O’Grady – can ever match that figure. But Channel 5 are confident they will have a good start.
A show spokesman said: “Blind Date was always intended for a Saturday night and we are truly excited to be bringing the show to our audience this weekend.”
The BBC is launching Pitch Battle at 7.30pm.
It is hosted by Mel Giedroyc and has The Choir’s Gareth Malone and singer Kelis and special guest Will Young as judges.
Their talent show will see choirs and acapella groups fighting it out in riff-offs.
And at the same time, episode two of The Voice Kids with coaches Pixie Lott, will.i.am and Danny Jones airs on ITV.
However an insider said: “There is a heatwave forecast for Saturday so it’s likely that the weather might be the winner, which means viewers are going to stay outdoors and watch all these shows on catch-up.”