ITV orders new Blankety Blank special with David Walliams
- Iconic comedy game show Blankety Blank is to return to screens
- David Walliams will host a one-off Christmas special for ITV
- The original series were hosted by Terry Wogan; Les Dawson; and Lily Savage
ITV is to revive the classic game show Blankety Blank.
David Walliams will host a one-off Christmas special edition of the much-loved comic series, having previously taken part in the show for Comic Relief. The programme has already run for 277 episodes over 17 series, spanning both BBC One and ITV.
Based on an international format, Blankety Blank debuted on BBC One in 1979. Initially hosted by Terry Wogan, stand-up comedian Les Dawson took over in 1984, and the series ended in 1990. A revival in 1997 saw Paul O'Grady host as his alter-ego Lily Savage, which transferred to ITV in 2001 and finally came to an end in 2002.
The aim of the game is for two contestants to compete head to head to match the answers of six celebrity panellists on fill-in-the-blank statements. The winner goes through to the much-loved Supermatch game.
O'Grady - as himself - hosted a special edition in 2011 for Comic Relief, when Walliams underwent the 24 Hour Panel People challenge to play non-stop panel games for a full 24 hours. Now, following the death of original host Terry Wogan in January, Walliams has been announced as the show's new host.
Peter Davey, the network's Head of Comedy Entertainment, says: "Blankety Blank is a much loved classic game show and this Christmas special on ITV will delight fans of the original whilst bringing it to life for a whole new generation. David Walliams is the perfect host for this, he'll bring his comedic talents and warm personality to the show."
Walliams himself comments: "I have some very big shoes to fill as presenter of Blankety Blank, I loved Terry Wogan and Les Dawson as a child, and Paul O'Grady was absolutely hilarious. I hope I can bring this much loved show to life for a new generation."
Originally produced by the BBC, the programme is now made by Thames. The company's Head of Entertainment, Suzy Lamb[/z] says: "After 14 years off air, we are very excited to be bringing back such an iconic game show. With David Walliams at the helm, Blankety Blank will be packed with fun and laughter for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas."
The special is expected to be broadcast in a prime-time slot in December. Double-bill repeats of the Lily Savage series are currently being shown on Challenge, Monday to Saturday from 6:30pm.