Twofour to Produce Dating in the Dark for ITV2

LONDON: ITV has commissioned Twofour to produce a six-episode season of Talpa’s international format Dating in the Dark for ITV2.

The show brings together singles on the hunt for love to live in a luxury mansion. The only time the singletons actually get to meet a member of the opposite sex is in the pitch-black Dark Room. Over a series of dates in the dark, the singles must compete to pair up with whoever they think is their best match. They’ll find out whether they feel the same way once the lights are turned on and they get to see their mate for the first time. Ultimately, they must decide whether to leave the mansion together or separately.

The Talpa format has been sold to more than 20 territories, including the U.S. and Australia. The series will be executive produced by Cat Lawson and Nic Patten for Twofour.

Satmohan Panesar, who commissioned the series, commented, “How will a new generation of young viewers and daters react to this classic looks-versus-personality dilemma? For an Instagram generation, the question is perhaps more interesting than ever, and we’re really excited to be bringing Dating in the Dark to ITV2.”

Cat Lawson, the head of entertainment at Twofour, said, “We are so excited to be bringing back such a brilliant show for 2016. Dating in the Dark is more relevant today than ever before and we look forward to watching the twists and turns of our singletons searching for ‘the one.’ The format is truly brilliant. It questions the perceptions and judgments we all make in our quest for finding love. Dating in the Dark really does test the age old question: Is love blind?”

Madeleine Knight, the director of development and formats at Talpa UK, added, “Dating in the Dark explores looks versus personality in a series of brilliant moments that keep you watching until the big decision at the end. It’s such a memorable show and we’re delighted to be bringing it to ITV2.”