ITV has tried to poach Alan Carr from Channel 4 by offering him a big money deal to host Blind Date, according to reports. Bosses think that the camp Friday Night Project host would be perfect for the show, which has been off our screens since Cilla Black quit live on air in 2003. An insider said: "ITV really want Alan to defect. They have been wanting to resurrect Blind Date for some time and reckon a gay host would be perfect." Bosses tried to poach another camp presenter - Graham Norton - for Blind Date in 2006. But Graham, who has a £5 million deal with the BBC, is about to play Cupid in the States with a speed-dating show for cable channel Lifetime. ITV could face yet more disappointment with Alan - as Channel 4 bosses insist want him to sign a new contract with them. A pal of the comic said of the ITV offer: "He's flattered." Alan and Cilla became pals when she was a guest host on the last show of The Friday Night Project at the end of August.
