ROMEO & DUET: OTI MABUSE TO HOST ITV SINGING-DATING SERIES

Romeo + Duet is a new primetime ITV singing/dating format where single contributors pick a date based on their suitors song.

Strictly professional dancer and new Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse has been announced to host the seven-part series. Divided into four rounds, with a picker in each, they’ll get to hear up to 4 singers serenade them, but the picker cannot see the singer.

Set in a studio, the pickers reside on top of a bespoke balcony, in a blind spot to the performance area. The picker will only get to see the performer if they walk all the way down the balcony, passing “the step of no return”. And from there, it triggers the curtain drop to reveal their match.

After picking their perfect match, each newly formed pairing will leave the main stage and head to the greenroom. With the clock ticking, they’ll learn to sing a duet together, all whilst getting to know each other a little better.

The show culminates in the Duet Off, where we welcome back the four couples to perform their duets. Power is then handed over to our studio audience, as they’ll vote for their winning couple of the episode, sending them on a romantic getaway.

Oti Mabuse said: "I’m so excited to be part of Romeo & Duet. It’s always been a dream of mine to host so this is a real pinch me moment, and it's a blessing for me to finally be able to share this news...

"I honestly can’t wait to get started! It’s about love with a little bit of a twist and showcase of talent, it’s fresh and fun, and I hope everyone’s going to love it as much as I do. Thank you to Katie Rawcliffe, Mel Crawford and Joe Mace for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity."

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, says: “Romeo & Duet is a fun twist on the dating show format, and Oti Mabuse is the perfect choice to host this entertaining cross between music and matchmaking.”

The show is set to record at the end of January 2022 at Dock10 Studios in Manchester.