For almost two decades Saturday night TV was synonymous with the UK show Blind Date, hosted by Cilla Black and while the series is due to make a comeback later in the year with Paul O'Grady as the host, it's going to have some competition on our shores with TV3 launching their version of the dating show which will arrive in the autumn.

Today the broadcaster announced who will be taking on the matchmaking duties, and it's.... Al Porter!

The comedian and Today FM presenter said of his new gig: "I'm beyond delighted this is happening and leaped at the chance to do it! Since I was a kid on stage in the Olympia all I've ever wanted to do was cheer people up and entertain as many people as possible. I remember watching shows like Blind Date with Cilla as my Mam ironed and my Nana laughed and it doing just that - cheering us all up!"

"To think I've the opportunity to be welcomed into people's homes each week on TV3 for a bit of shiny, silly fun is a privilege and I hope people love it! Most fun for me, is like my Panto and radio work, Blind Date on TV3 will be broad fun, family entertainment! ...Now, to practice saying "what's your name, where do you come from?!"

Bill Malone, TV3 Group Director of Programming said: "What a talent Al is and what a show Blind Date is and the combination of both promises to be brilliantly entertaining TV.

"TV3 has transformed itself into a quality Irish broadcaster of scale and the addition of a star like Al further underlines our ambition. Blind Date is just one of many exciting programme announcements to come, so it’s shaping up to be a big Autumn ahead on TV3!"

If you fancy Al Porter helping you look for love on the telly, Blind Date are also seeking out contestants for the show, you can apply at tv3.ie/blinddate now.