Holly Willoughby to host Surprise Surprise return

Holly Willoughby to host Surprise Surprise return
Holly Willoughby to host Surprise Surprise return (Image credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Holly Willoughby has revealed she is hoping to sing the theme tune when she hosts a one-off return for popular TV show Surprise Surprise. She is to replace much-loved host Cilla Black - who also sang the theme tune - when the programme comes back for a special edition on ITV1 later this year. Holly, who will be seen hosting BBC1's talent show The Voice next week, said discussions had not yet started about the title music - but she wants to do it. Cilla fronted the show, featuring practical jokes and tear-jerking reunions for unsuspecting viewers, for more than 10 years. It was also famed for its song which featured the lyrics: "Surprise, surprise, the unexpected hits you between the eyes." Holly, speaking as she hosted ITV1's This Morning, said: "We haven't discussed whether I'm going to sing at the top of the show like Cilla used to yet." She added, while attempting the song for viewers: "Well, I'm hoping to - I think I can do it." She appealed to viewers who needed a "special treat" to get in touch.

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.