Davina McCall reveals what we can expect from her new show My Mum, Your Dad
It's hitting our screens on 11th September!
Reality TV fans were delighted when ITV announced the launch of the brand-new dating show My Mum, Your Dad, which will be hosted by TV icon Davina McCall.
The show will follow a group of single parents who have been nominated for the show by their grown-up children as they look for love.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, 55-year-old Davina reveals how she 'manifested' her role on the show, explaining that she approached ITV with her idea for a middle-aged dating show - even putting some of her friends forward as potential contestants!
She said: "It's my fault that it got called Midlife Love Island - that's what I called it in an email to ITV Commissioning Editor Amanda Stavri. I've been trying to burn that name ever since!
"I wrote out five bios of friends of mine - it was hilarious, I really went to town. But Amanda was really sweet, she got back to me quickly and said, 'We're not going to do that!'"
ITV later opted to go with a format for the show which is based on an Australian show, also called My Mum, Your Dad. Davina was thrilled to get asked to host the show, which she is so passionate about.
As with most reality shows, there is a big surprise in store for the parents who are taking part in the show. Unknown to them, their children will be watching them in 'The Bunker' as they get the chance to play matchmaker and decide their fate.
Take a look at the cast of My Mum, Your Dad:
Monique and Taiya
Monique - Nominated by her daughter Taiya
Age: 50
From: Winchmore Hill
Occupation: Therapist/Student
Taiya
Age: 21
From: North London
Occupation: Student
Sharon and Tia
Sharon - Nominated by her daughter Tia
Age: 53
From: Sunderland
Occupation: Safeguarding and Welfare Officer in Education
Tia
Age: 24
From: Sunderland
Occupation: Social Media Influencer
Caroline and Carli
Caroline - Nominated by her daughter Carli
Age: 51
From: South Lanarkshire
0ccupation: Tech Advisor/Scan Assistant
Carli
Age: 20
From: South Lanarkshire
Occupation: Flight Attendant
Natalie and Kaliel
Natalie - Nominated by her son Kaliel
Age: 44
From: Bournemouth
Occupation: Self-Esteem and Relationship Recovery Coach
Kaliel
Age: 20
From: Bournemouth
Occupation: Gas and Plumbing Apprentice
Paul and Mazey
Paul - Nominated by his daughter Mazey
Age: 47
From: London
Occupation: Owner of a Decorating Company
Mazey
Age: 21
From: Bath
Occupation: University Student
Clayton and Christian
Clayton - Nominated by his son Christian
Age: 57
From: Nottingham
Occupation: Pastoral Support Officer
Christian
Age: 35
From: Nottingham
Occupation: Graphic Artist/Warehouse Employee
Roger and Jess
Roger - Nominated by his daughter Jess
Age: 58
From: Derbyshire
Occupation: Postman
Jess
Age: 28
From: Derbyshire
Occupation: Network Rail Planner
Elliot and Zachary
Elliot - Nominated by his son Zachary
Age: 53
From: Essex
Occupation: PE Teacher and Football Coach
Zachary
Age: 21
From: Essex
Occupation: University Student
Janey and Will
Janey - Nominated by her son Will
Age: 47
From: West Sussex
Occupation: Singer/Recruitment Manager
Will
Age: 19
From: West Sussex
Occupation: Student
Martin H and Jessica
Martin H - Nominated by his daughter Jessica
Age: 56
From: Birmingham - Lives in Epson
Occupation: Retired basketball player/Sports Presenter and MD
Jessica
Age: 23
From: Epsom
Occupation: Model/Sales & Marketing/Mental Health Skills Coaching
Tolullah and Georgia-Blu
Tolullah - Nominated by her daughter Georgia-Blu
Age: 50
From: London
Occupation: Design consultant/Journalist
Georgia-Blu
Age: 28
From: London
From: Chartered Accountant
Martin M and Luke
Martin M - Nominated by his son Luke
Age: 52
From: Derby/Lives in Ibiza
Occupation: Property developer
Luke
Age: 18
From: Ibiza
Occupation: Bartender
Speaking about what we can expect, Davina said: "I think you wonder, are they going to just take the mickey out of their parents? Are they going to take it seriously?
"But it matters to them more than anything. I was very proud - the kids were extremely fair, magnanimous, kind, thoughtful, and some were quite outspoken."
Davina admitted that she didn't want to get too involved in the contestants' relationships and particularly likes the fact that nobody will be getting 'evicted' from the show during their search for love. She added: "I wanted to be in there all the time giving them advice but actually, you've got to let it play out.
"The more you get involved, it's a mistake. What do I know? I don't know these people. What's lovely is that they come and go from the house - there are no evictions.
"If they don't think they're going to find love, they decide it's time to leave. I think when you've exhausted everybody in the house and you don't fancy anymore, it's a hard place to be."
Davina continued: "I hope it's something kids can watch with their families and you can all have a bit of a laugh and a cry together. In your 40s and 50s, when you've got children, life is complicated - but midlifers deserve to love and spend the rest of their lives with somebody."
My Mum, Your Dad starts at 9pm on Monday 11th September on ITV/STV.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about TV presenting royalty Davina McCall
All you need to know about ITV's new dating show My Mum, Your Dad
Cast revealed for new dating show My Mum, Your Dad