David Walliams to host Blankety Blank Christmas special: ‘I’ve got some big shoes to fill’

The comedian will follow in the footsteps of Terry Wogan, Les Dawson and Lily Savage 
New role: David Walliams will host a new episode of Blankety Blank
Joe Giddens / PA Wire
Jennifer Ruby23 August 2016

David Walliams is set to host a special episode of iconic game show Blankety Blank.

The comedian and author will follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry Wogan, Les Dawson and Lily Savage to front a one-off Christmas special.

Announcing the news on Tuesday, the Britain’s Got Talent judge told Twitter followers that he had some ‘big shoes to fill’.

Posting a picture of Wogan hosting the show, he wrote: “I have some very big shoes to fill as the new host of a special Christmas episode of #BlanketyBlank for @ITV.”

He went on to say: “I loved Terry Wogan and Les Dawson as a child, and Paul O'Grady was absolutely hilarious.

"I hope I can bring this much loved show to life for a new generation.”

Discussing Wogan’s famous microphone, he said: “It seems like you all want the stick microphone back on #BlanketyBlank But who should snap it in two like Kenny Everett did go Terry Wogan? (sic).”

ITV's head of comedy entertainment Peter Davey said: “David Walliams is the perfect host for this - he'll bring his comedic talents and warm personality to the show.”

The original series of the show was hosted by Wogan and broadcast on BBC One in 1979 until 1983.

Dawson then took over the reins from 1984-1990, with Paul O’Grady as Savage presenting a revival from 1997-1999.

The game show then moved over to ITV, airing its final episode on August 10 2002.

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