Take Me Out slapped with complete format overhaul?: 'So much thirst'

TAKE Me Out has been long criticised for only matching heterosexual couples.

By Cydney Yeates /

The ITV dating show has dominated screens for a whopping eight years, with no end in sight for presenter 's toe-curling catchphrases.

Audiences know that a single man comes down the love lift with a goal to bag a date with one of the 30 single women.

And if at least one of the ladies still have their light on for their eligible bachelor, then a romantic getaway to the Isle of Fernando's is on the cards.

But could all that be about to change?

Take Me Out's Paddy McGuinness ITV

TV CLASSIC: Take Me Out has been on air for eight years

Dedicated audiences have long called out for a switch-up in the show's format – and sadly we're not talking about throwing Paddy's slogans in the bin.

Instead, viewers have demand that the style is rejigged to include the LGBT community.

One person suggested on Twitter: "I honestly think there should be an LGBT version of Take Me Out. Get gays down that lift."

"What about the LGBT community, why can't they have some shows as well. I am sure there are plenty of gay men and lesbian women looking for love as well," continued another.

Take Me Out couple ITV

SHAKE-UP: So far the show only has heterosexual couples

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    Reactions TWITTER

    DEMAND: Viewers want to see a change in the format

    “I honestly think there should be an LGBT version of Take Me Out”

    Twitter

    A third added: "There is so much thirst on Take Me Out, but I want a LGBT version to air. Come on Take Me Out, get with the program!

    Back in October, Paddy told Huffington Post: "When people ask, I always put it into the channel.

    "So fingers crossed we will do, hopefully next year. Fingers crossed."

    This isn't the only show that fans have demanded a shakeup with contestants.

    Last year, ITV2 faced backlash after bosses claimed they did not plan to have LGBT contestants on .

    The broadcaster went on to say a rumoured LGBT spin-off show was not in the works either.

    Ahead of the upcoming 2018 series, a spokesman said executive producer Richard Cowles' comments about gay contestants from last year remained the same.

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      He had said: "The format doesn’t really allow it. If you're familiar with the programme, it's about coupling and re-coupling."

      Channel 5's Blind Date introduced a LGBT singletons for the first time last year.

      How long will it be before these shows follow in the footsteps?

      Daily Star Online contacted ITV for comment.