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PAUL O’Grady signed up to host the TV revival to stop Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison getting the job and ruining the show.

The Scouser, above, was Channel 5’s first choice to replace his pal – the late Cilla Black – as presenter of the hit dating series.

But he turned it down. However, when word leaked that bosses had approached I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison, Paul quickly changed his mind.

He explained: “I said no at first. I BENIDORM stars Danny Walters and Nathan Bryon are getting the chop.

The pair – who play pals Tiger and Joey – are persuaded to become models for the Solana Hotel’s beauty salon Blow and Go and get free new haircuts.

But from the looks of things, they don’t seem too happy.

The show airs tomorrow on ITV at 9pm. was very wary because Cilla’s so associated with it and it’s such an iconic show, I didn’t want to mess it up.

“Then I was terrified they were going to give it to some reality person to host, and it would be shunted to a late-night slot in between programmes called Dogs On The Dole and My Left Breast.”

Paul told Channel 5 that he wanted Towie and other reality show stars banned from taking part as they would cheapen the reputation of the show.

He told TV Times: “We’re going to take Blind Date back to its roots – a gentle, funny show.

“I told Channel 5 I don’t want any of the Towie lot or contestants that have been on telly before, there’s too much of that on TV now and I’m not interested.”

Paul also turned down a chance to host The Nightly Show.

He added: “I only ever watched one episode, but I can’t believe they didn’t admit they’d made a big mistake and get it off the TV.”