'I'm a TV expert and ITV is missing a trick that will cost them dearly'

Earlier this month, ITV revealed that January 2026 was its biggest-ever month for streaming, with a staggering 383 million streams on its ITVX streaming platform. While this figure is spread across its beloved soaps, game shows, reality TV and dramas, the broadcaster is missing out on a major element of TV. From the Wheel of Fortune, Love Island, The Masked Singer and The Chase, the broadcasters appear to have the competition shows under their belts, but truthfully, they're missing a romantic element.

Yes, I'm aware Love Island exists, but what happened to the cheesy and heartwarming dating shows that would air on a Saturday night, instead of adults swanning around a villa in a bikini or trunks waiting for a text? Think Paddy McGuinness showTake Me Out or even Cilla Black's iconic Blind Date, where contestants were in it for a genuine connection rather than a contract with the trendiest talent agencies.

ITV recently brought the nation together for a senior spin on a dating show with My Mum, Your Dad.

The heartwarming series, hosted by Davina McCall, saw a group of single parents, nominated by their grown kids, live together in a retreat, hoping for another chance at true love.

The show surpassed expectations, averaging over 2,000,000 viewers per episode of its first season and even had lasting success stories, yet after two instalments, My Mum, Your Dad was cancelled.

Although bosses admitted its demise was down to a shortage of male applicants in the required age range, surely it proved that TV needs another heartwarming dating show.

Oti Mabuse gave it a go with Romeo and Duet, but the musical spin on a dating game show proved to be less popular after drawing in less than 1 million viewers.

If an evening on ITV doesn't end with a trip to Weatherfield or Hotten, it's game show galore with the likes of The Masked Singer, The 1% Club, Tipping Point or Love Island: All Stars.

Take Me Out ran for an incredible 11 seasons before it ended in 2019, while Blind Date aired its final episode in 2003 after 18 seasons and 13 specials.

It seems that ITV also recognises this, as it has commissioned Farmer Wants A Wife, which will follow bachelor farmers hoping to find their dream partner in someone willing to embrace agricultural living. It's yet to be seen if this will fill the broadcaster's dating game show hole.