ANT and Dec will SNUB a revived version of Blind Date, the News of the World can reveal.

The TV funnymen WERE being lined up to present the classic ITV dating show that last aired five years ago.

But the Geordie duo are set to leave top executives frustrated - despite X Factor boss Simon Cowell buying into the programme's makeover.

The pair's publicist said. "All of Ant & Dec's programming for the rest of 2008 and the whole of 2009 is already sorted.

"They won't be hosting Blind Date in 2008 or 2009."

Bookies favourite Davina McCall has also ruled herself OUT of the show, we can also reveal.

A TV insider said: "She's decided she isn't going to do Blind Date and wants to concentrate on other projects."

Meanwhile, former host Cilla Black, 65 - who quit the show LIVE on air - has just had her NEW dating show Loveland picked up in America.

The programme involves singletons creating their own virtual characters to woo other contestants in the studio.

She said: "Loveland captivated me with its modern twist on the dating show format, bringing something new and exciting to the genre."

simon.ward@notw.co.uk