Surprise Surprise

[Perdita]

Cilla Black's classic show Surprise Surprise is reportedly due to return to screens with Holly Willoughby as host.

The light entertainment programme - which aired 14 series and four specials between 1984 and 2001 - will be relaunched on ITV with a "modern twist".

Willoughby's role on the show was thought to be in dispute following her defection to BBC talent contest The Voice UK, but ITV insiders have said that she is "still very much in the frame" to present.

"Surprise Surprise was a big hit when it aired in the '80s and '90s and viewers remember it fondly," a source told The Sun.

"We'll be updating the show and giving it a modern twist but the essence will still be the same."

Popular Surprise Surprise features such as practical jokes, prank phone calls and heartfelt family reunions will apparently continue to be part of the format.

"Some of the best episodes were when we reunited family members who hadn't seen each other for decades, so we'll hopefully be doing that again," the source added.

It is not yet clear whether former Surprise Surprise stars Black, Christopher Biggins and Bob Carolgees will play any role in the revamped show

[Perdita]

Holly Willoughby has been confirmed as the host of a revamped special one-off edition of Surprise Surprise.

Originally hosted by Cilla Black, the show famously created tearful surprises and family reunions for guests and the new special promises to "make some dreams of a lifetime come true".

"What an incredible honour to be asked to present this Surprise Surprise special for ITV1. I can't wait to get out there delivering new surprises to the nation," said Willoughby.

Exec Michael Kelpie added: "Surprise Surprise is one of those iconic ITV shows that I remember watching with my family growing up and the chance of bringing it back is a dream come true."

Producers are currently searching the country for people to appear in the series and want to hear from anyone who would like to nominate a member of the community for a "Willoughby surprise". Applicants should contact [email protected].

The original LWT production of Surprise Surprise aired between 1984 and 1997 and famously featured host Black singing the theme tune at the start and end of every episode. The track featured on Black's Surprisingly Cilla album and was released as a single.