MORRIS’ DATE WITH DESTINY

After she’s done making another crop of celebrities squirm in South Africa, Julia Morris looks forward to playing matchmaker on Blind Date.

The comedian and I’m A Celebrity host will front Channel 10’s local version of the popular UK game show.

“I lived in the UK for eight years so I’ve not only seen it, we used to stay home to watch it before going out,” Morris said. “I’m also a huge fan of Cilla Black (UK host), so to try to emulate one of my all-time heroes is going to be a labour of love.”

Morris promises to bring her own flavour to the show, which will air next year and features a matchmaking format similar to Perfect Match.

“Cilla and I are very different performers; I have a very different energy to her,” Morris said.

“It will definitely have my own flavour to it. In April I turn 50 so I’ve crossed over from ‘Oh you sexy young people’ to ‘How can I help the young people of Australia?’. Most of the young people now look like my friends’ sons.”

From The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to the new Bachelor in Paradise, Married At

First Sight and First Dates Australia, viewers will have their choice of dating shows to watch next year.

Morris says the laughs and a family friendly format will set Blind Date apart from its competitors.

“It is a super-fun take on getting to know someone really quickly,” she said.

“It has a speed-dating vibe to it and success will very much be in how much thought our contestants are putting into their answers. Comedy wins the day. The very exciting thing for me about this format is it’s not a dating show; it’s a comedy dating show.

“The edge to this will be it’s very funny (for the) family. There’s nowhere near enough programming ever that you can sit down and watch with your family.”