Contenders line up for Blind Date presenter slot

News that Cilla Black is set to pack up hosting the fresh and innovative TV dating programme Bland Date, has led to a wild flurry of rumours concerning her successor.

As well as the usual suspects, including Charles Kennedy, Nolberto Solano and Andy Gilchrist, a wide variety of more exotic names are believed to be in contention. Here we give a rundown of the most likely front-runners:

Dale Winsome: A close friend of our Cilla's having reportedly comforted her several times after the death of her husband Bobby. Winsome's trademark aggressive style may not go down so well on Blind Date though. Has recently "come out" and admitted to being talentless. Another plus is Winsome's ability to generate acres of press coverage by doing very little.

Paddy Kielty: Ditto.

Davina McGall: Understood to have already rejected one offer to replace Black, but TV executives are thought to be so desperate to remove her from Big Brother that she may be forced to take the position at gunpoint.

Phil Redmond: A native Scouser, Redmond's plans for the show reportedly impressed the producers although they are said to be concerned at the cost of an drive-by lesbian shooting in the Blind Date studios.

Dec and Ant: The cuddly duo may yet achieve the Holy Grail of having hosted every primetime Saturday show. Legally, it may be impossible to stop them bringing their cheeky chappy charm to the national institution.

Lorraine Kelly: Rank outsider. Previously the only celebrity less exciting than Black, her recent confession that she and her husband once made love in their own bed has seen her popular appeal rocket. Kelly is thought to be excited at the chance of taking over the post, telling friends "that'd be lovely, lovely and super. Oh great, great. It'd be beautiful, ooh beautiful."

Wayne Rooney: Excellent Scouse credentials. Footballing career may have already peaked and his agents are thought to be advising on moving to TV. Would have to learn to speak before taking on the role.

Michael Barrymore: Nope.