I’m hoping Cilla would approve

Best pal Paul hosts Blind Date revamp

from a head injury after a fall at her Spanish villa in 2015 – and Paul read a moving eulogy at her funeral. The Liverpudlians had met in 1998 on Parkinson and enjoyed holidays and nights out, with Paul describing Cilla as his soulmate. Now, after agreeing to present a revamp of the ITV show Cilla hosted for 18 years, Paul has his fingers crossed.

He said: “I hope she won’t be throwing plates at me. I mention her loads of times.”

He reveals he hung out with the love-hunting contestants before going on air to steady their nerves. Paul said: “I have a real laugh with them. It’s been an absolute blinder. The studio audience loved it.”

Paul even battled with flu while filming the show, which will feature same-sex matches for the first time. He said: “If you are on your last legs you’re best going on.”

halina.watts@sundaymirror.co.uk