Take Me Out (British game show)

Take Me Out is a dating game show that was presented by comedian Paddy McGuinness. Based on the Australian show Taken Out, it first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom and simulcast on TV3 in the Republic of Ireland on 2 January 2010. An unscreened pilot episode was made for Channel 4 in 2009, but it was ITV who picked it up for a series. The show was produced by Thames (formerly Talkback Thames).

Take Me Out
GenreDating game show
Based onTaken Out
Presented byPaddy McGuinness
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series11
No. of episodes110
Production
Production locations
Running time60–90 minutes (inc. adverts)
Production companies
DistributorFremantle
Release
Original networkITV
Picture format16:9 (HDTV)
Audio formatStereo
Original release2 January 2010 (2010-01-02) 
28 December 2019 (2019-12-28)
Chronology
Related showsTake Me Out: The Gossip
External links
Website

The first series was recorded at Granada Studios in Manchester, but has since been recorded at The Maidstone Studios in Maidstone, Kent, as it offered increased space and capacity for audience members.[1]

In 2012, the show introduced a spin-off show entitled Take Me Out: The Gossip, which aired on ITV2 and was co-hosted by Zoe Hardman and Mark Wright in 2012 and 2013. It did not air in 2014, but returned in 2015 with Wright joined by new co-host Laura Jackson.[2]

On 10 February 2020, ITV announced that the show was axed after eleven series. Eight couples who met on the show subsequently got married and six babies were born to contestants who met on the show.[3]

Format

The objective of the show was for a single man to obtain a date with one of thirty single women. The women stood on a stage underneath thirty white lights, each with a button in front of them. A single man was then brought down on stage via the 'Love Lift' and tried to persuade the women to agree to be his date in a series of rounds, playing a prerecorded video discussing his background, displaying a skill (such as dancing or playing a musical instrument), or playing another video in which the man's friends or family reveal more about his virtues and philosophy.

At any point during the rounds, the women could press the button in front of them to turn off their light if they did not want a date with the man. If this occurs, their area of the stage turned red. If, at the end of three rounds, there were still lights left on, the bachelor would turn off all but two of the remaining lights himself. He would then have a chance to ask one question to the last two women, before choosing which of the women he wanted to go on the date with by turning off one more light. If the man was left with two lights at the end of round 3, he would just ask his question to the two remaining women and if there was only one light left at the end of round 3, he will go on the date with that girl without asking her his question. There were usually four men brought on in the course of a single episode, though on some occasions segments were cut and only three men were shown.

If all the women turned off their lights before the end of the third round - this was referred to as a "blackout" - then the man would have to leave the show without going on a date, accompanied by the Céline Dion version of the hit Eric Carmen song "All by Myself". In the first series, the successful couples conducted their date at FERNANDO'S! in Manchester, which is actually Club Bijou on Chapel Street, the outcome of which is shown as part of the following week's show. For the second series, the date took place abroad on the Isle of FERNANDO'S!, a fictional location based in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.[4] Previously the date took place in Cyprus. Successful couples left the programme upstairs on the opposite side of the studio to the 'Love Lift', and a song, usually from the latin pop genre, was played.[5]

Comedic value was mostly provided by McGuinness's array of catchphrases such as "Let the (object) see the (object)", "No likey, no lighty!", "If you're turned off, turn off", "If he's not Mr Right, turn off your light", "Get out there, turn one girl off and take one girl out!", "Come and get some Paddy love!", "The isle of...FERNANDO'S!".

Round 1

In this round the man comes down the love lift. He meets the girls and then says his name and where he is from. Paddy repeats but afterwards with one of catchphrases. Then the girls can turn off their light. From series 7 onwards, they have to write down a 'love at first light' from the girls who had left their lights on.

Round 2

This includes a pre-recorded video presented by the man. It sometimes includes interviews with his friends and family. It describes his personality and what they do. At any point the girls can turn off their light.

Round 3

In this round the man shows a skill in the studio. Alternately their friend or family can say a secret. At any point the girl can turn off their light.

Round 4

In this round the man turns off the lights of the remaining girls until just two are left lit. Alternatively, if there is only one or two girls left from round 3 then round 4 is skipped entirely.

Round 5

In this round the man asks the girls who are remaining a question. The man then turns off the light of one girl. Paddy questions the chosen girl if they would rather know the man's 'love at first light' or not. Then they meet, go up the big stairs opposite the love lift and have a backstage interview. Alternatively, if only one girl remains lit from round 3 then the man gets to choose between her and a "mysterious girl", who remains unseen until he makes his choice.

Episodes and ratings

Episode viewing figures from BARB.[6]

Key:

  Successful dates
  Got a blackout, but later dated another contestant

Series 1 (2010)

# Airdate No. of couples First couple Second couple Third couple Fourth couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 2 January 2010 3 Jim and Caroline Greg (n/a) Rob and Jo-Jo Adam and Charlene 3.87 22
2 9 January 2010 3 Joel (n/a) Ibrahim and Maria Alan and Lia-Jay Oliver and Louisa 4.72 29
3 16 January 2010 4 Adam and Nicola David and Georgee Oliver and June Tony and Jamie 4.74 18
4 23 January 2010 4 Tom and Cally Robert Alston and Tandie Boyd and Lindsey Stefano and Joanne 4.92 20
5 30 January 2010 3 Jamie and Kelly Darren (n/a) Stefan and Becka James and Laura 4.87 20
6 6 February 2010 3 Jonathan and Helen Nathan and Shakira Gregor (n/a) Darren and Josephine 5.42 19
7 13 February 2010 3 Arton and Crystal James and Claire-Louise Thomas (n/a) Sammy and Nat 4.71 19
8 20 February 2010 3 Tom and Sarah Jack and Emily Christian (n/a) Ben and Daisy 5.39 17

Series 2 (2010–11)

# Airdate No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 (9) 11 December 2010 3 Danny and Vicky Adrian (n/a) Alistair and Alisha Iain and Fern 5.96 18
2 (10) 18 December 2010 3 James (n/a) Dan and Alice Samson and Amy Silky and Holly-Jade 5.10 14
3 (11) 1 January 2011 3 Stuart and Pegah Fabian and Kay Darren and Laura Kristen (n/a) Under 3.05 Outside top 30
4 (12) 8 January 2011 4 Scott and Kieney John and Lisa Chi and Cheryl David and Donna 3.98 29
5 (13) 15 January 2011 3 Harry and Joanne David (n/a) Richie and Tasha Gary and Elle 4.27 23
6 (14) 22 January 2011 4 Brett and Viv Ian and Becky James and Abi-Scarlett Rob and Tanya 4.44 18
7 (15) 29 January 2011 4 John and Kerry Tez and Kayleigh Dan and Dawn Jake and Sami 4.29 18
8 (16) 5 February 2011 3 Dean and Maria Rick and Megan Robbie (n/a) Richard and Jacqui 4.28 19
9 (17) 12 February 2011 3 Sam and Claire Charles and Carol Simon and Natalie Stephen (n/a) 4.74 18
10 (18) 19 February 2011 3 Ryan and Luissa Neil (n/a) Dan and Krista Dean and Jo-Jo 4.42 19
11 (19) 26 February 2011 4 Frankie and Nicole Riccardo and Vikki Michael and Julie Sonny and Samantha H 4.82 18
12 (20) 5 March 2011 4 Dave and Lucy Adam and Katie Chris and Kate Michael and Adele 5.03 17
13 (21) 12 March 2011 4 Anthony and Ellie Matt and Samantha Andrew and Peggy Dan and Lauren 4.89 20
14 (22) 19 March 2011 4 Dan and Nicola John and Holly Bobby and Jennifer James and Marysia 5.50 14

Series 3 (2012)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 (23) 7 January 2012 3 Ben and Joanna N/A (George) Aaron and Wen1 Adam and Mimi 4.93 16
2 (24) 14 January 2012 3 N/A (Olly) Marty and Bianca Jermaine and Roxi Jack and Lizz 4.94 17
3 (25) 21 January 2012 4 Ollie and Emily Danny and Katy Tomas and Abi Ben and Ashleigh 4.68 17
4 (26) 28 January 2012 4 Tony and Sofia Norman and Steph Fabio and Carrie Bobby and Bainsey 4.52 20
5 (27) 4 February 2012 4 Andy and Grace Francis and Cate Jake and Holly Damion and Chelsea614 4.95 18
6 (28) 11 February 2012 22 Amar (n/a) Olly and Mollie Will (n/a) Ross and Ciara 5.47 16
7 (29) 18 February 2012 3 Liam and Lucy James and Fleur Ben and Steph Judi and Mike3 4.92 15
8 (30) 25 February 2012 3 Lee and Toni Whyte (n/a) Charlie and Danielle John and Bec 5.15 18
9 (31) 3 March 2012 4 Michael and Sophie Paul (n/a) Ekene and Chloe Ollie and Natacha 4.79 19
10 (32) 10 March 2012 3 Ben and Jude Charles and Stephanie Renny and Charlotte Rory and Jade A4 4.47 19
11 (33) 17 March 2012 4 Mikey and Jamie Jit and Gracie Kenny and Becca Billy and Emma 4.94 17
12 (34) 24 March 2012 4 Greg and Jo Bambos and Katie Matt and Fiona Jarvis and Hannah5 4.71 18
13 (35) 31 March 2012 3 Lee (n/a) Doug and Steph Luke and Cony Rob and Annie 4.58 16
14 (36) 7 April 2012 4 Tony and Lisa Oba and Kirsten Dave and Daniella14 David and Lucy7 4.28 17

Notes

  • ^Note 1 : The date segment of contestant Wen scoring a date with freelance journalist Aaron was axed from the programme.
  • ^Note 2 : Two blackouts occurred in one programme, becoming the first time this had ever occurred on the show.
  • ^Note 3 : The studio segment of contestant Judi scoring a date with builder Mike was axed from the programme, after it transpired that Mike was known to the police as a suspected sex offender. Judi did not return to the show.
  • ^Note 4 : The studio segment of contestant Jade scoring a date with banker Rory was axed from the programme, after it transpired that Rory was serving a suspended sentence for common assault. Jade did not return to the show.
  • ^Note 6 : Chelsea revealed on the 7 April episode of Take Me Out: The Gossip that she and Ben, the first contestant of the series, were getting married.
  • ^Note 7 : David set a record for having the highest number of girls left in the final round in the third series, with 27 leaving their light on after round three. Amy Childs also later went on to date David.

Series 4 (2012)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 (37) 6 October 2012 2 Leigh and Chloe-Marie Drew (n/a) Dyneal and Lily James (n/a) 3.25 25
2 (38) 13 October 2012 4 Paul and Chanelle Ben (n/a)8 Chris and Nadia Will and Oli
Henry and Meggan9
3.35 23
3 (39) 20 October 2012 4 Ryan and Jordan Yinka and Jo10 Chad and Fleur Jonny and Ruby 3.23 27
4 (40) 27 October 2012 3 Ed and Lucy Robin and Jamilah Wez 16 Sam and Natalie 3.70 19
5 (41) 3 November 2012 3 Myko (n/a)11 Chris and Ella Amar and Charlotte Chiles and Ruth Under 3.04 Outside top 30
6 (42) 10 November 2012 3 Jase and Dannika12 Jim (The Beatboxer) and Erica Marco and Jo Darrell (n/a) Under 3.08 Outside top 30
7 (43) 17 November 2012 4 Matt and Leah Pete and Katie Sam and Samantha Luke and Rachel 3.06 28
8 (44) 24 November 2012 4 Giles and Anglea Dan and Kate Hugh and Emily Joe and Edelle Under 3.10 Outside top 30
9 (45) 1 December 2012 3 Micky and Danielle George and Emma Iain (n/a) Jordan and Victoria13 Under 3.09 Outside top 30

Notes

  • ^Note 8 : Ben was the only contestant this series to receive a blackout on the second round.
  • ^Note 9 : Will and Henry became the first pair of twins to come down the love lift, and go on a double date with their chosen dates.
  • ^Note 10 : In the final round, Yinka let his little brother, Jono, choose which of the two girls he should pick out of all of the remaining lights.
  • ^Note 11 : Despite the fact that Myko got a blackout, he later began dating Erica (who originally got a date with Jim from episode 6). Erica admitted that she regretted turning her light off for him.
  • ^Note 12 : Jase set a record (at the time) for having the highest number of ladies left in the final round in the fourth series, with 23 girls leaving their light on after round three.
  • ^Note 13 : Jordan became the first contestant in the history of Take Me Out to still have all 30 girls with their lights on in the final round.
  • ^Note 14 : Damion and Daniella returned to Take Me Out: The Gossip in October, and revealed that they were getting married.

Celebrity Christmas Special (2012)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 (46) 15 December 2012 3 Joe and Lois Matt and Natalie Keith and Piri n/a 4.04 14

Series 5 (2013)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers (millions) ITV weekly ranking
1 (47) 5 January 2013 3 Ben and Lily Param (n/a) Adam and Lucy-May Jason and Jo 4.13 18
2 (48) 12 January 2013 3 Sam and Georgia Will (n/a) Dan and Danni Troy and Naomi 4.38 19
3 (49) 19 January 2013 3 Adam (n/a) Stephen and Bianca Callum and Nikita Darren and Daisy 4.47 19
4 (50) 26 January 2013 4 Matt and Megan Chris and Kate Will and Thuy Morakinyo and Claire 3.97 21
5 (51) 2 February 2013 4 Stuart and Robyn Sen and Jade Russell and Miki Gavin and Gemma 4.01 19
6 (52) 9 February 2013 4 Chris and Janet Ashley and Rach James and Daniella David and George 3.58 21
7 (53) 16 February 2013 3 Joe and Julia Matt and Charlotte Glenn and Alanna Owen (n/a) 3.80 16
8 (54) 23 February 2013 4 Tom and Naomi Henry and Rachel Ben and Emma Joe and Chloe 4.13 21

Series 6 (2014)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (55) 4 January 2014 4 Adam and Leanne Jason and Lisa Ellison and Coryn Sam and Sadie 4.03 20
2 (56) 11 January 2014 2 Grant (n/a) Gavin and Sharon Baffoe (n/a) Fergus and Dolly 4.05 19
3 (57) 18 January 2014 4 Ryan and Chloe Damon and Katie Travis and Nicole James and Colette 3.92 19
4 (58) 25 January 2014 4 Lew and Amanda Oscar and Lici Adam and Stacey Danny and Jodie 3.69 21
5 (59) 1 February 2014 3 Jay and Marley Frankie and Natasha Paul (n/a) Ashley and Georgia 3.31 26
6 (60) 8 February 2014 3 Ed and Jenny Richard (n/a) Arry and Gemma Aran and Bethany 3.20 25
7 (61) 15 February 2014 4 Andrew and Amy Mikey and Kate Josh and Olivia Paul and Lily-Mae 3.30 28
8 (62) 22 February 2014 4 Michael and Clarissa Jason and Sophie David and Zoe Vincent and Kayleigh 3.64 19

Series 7 (2015)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (63) 3 January 2015 4 Ash and Daisy Scott and Kat15 Steve and Gabriella Craig and Natalie 2.76 22
2 (64) 10 January 2015 4 Peter and Becky Liam and Chloe Colin and Melanie Chris and Jade 3.04 23
3 (65) 17 January 2015 3 Andrew and Kayleigh Jamie and Christina Matt (n/a) Ross and Sophie 3.00 21
4 (66) 24 January 2015 4 Lewis and Natasha Archie and Rosie Adam and Aimee-Jayne Scott and Dan 2.83 25
5 (67) 31 January 2015 4 Rob and Kim Ryan and Amy Karl and Rachel Jamie and Alision 2.80 23
6 (68) 7 February 2015 3 Liam and Emily Jonathan (n/a) Nick and Looci Glenn and Alicia 3.08 19
7 (69) 14 February 2015 4 Seeb and Holly-Jane Ben and Dani Will and Harriette Phil and Christina 2.96 20
8 (70) 21 February 2015 4 Rich and Natasha Joe and Naomi Ashely and Lauren Ross and Anusha 3.75 15
9 (71) 28 February 2015 3 Darian and Stephanie Tony and Shadz Ben and Whitney Aaron (n/a) 3.24 19
10 (72) 7 March 2015 4 Leslie and Marian Alan and Kirsty Cole and Sophie Pete and Kate 3.06 20

Notes

  • ^Note 15 : On the last episode of the series, whilst looking at the dates from the episode, Scott and Kat returned, saying that they were celebrating their 10-week anniversary in Fernando's.

Series 8 (2016)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (73) 2 January 2016 3 Freddie and Laura Nik (n/a) Joe and Megan Gaz and Charlotte (1) 3.24 14
2 (74) 9 January 2016 3 Rhys and Darcie Ellis and Gina Ola (n/a) Sam and Joanna 2.80 29
3 (75) 16 January 2016 4 Mitch and Vivienne Adam and Laura Nathan and Chloe Rick and Ashleigh 3.12 21
4 (76) 23 January 2016 3 James and Bev David and Ella Sam and Margarita Al (n/a) 2.83 25
5 (77) 30 January 2016 4 Paul and Terezita Harry and Amy David and Emma (1) Ben and Lotte Under 2.85 Outside Top 30
6 (78) 6 February 2016 4 James and Beckie Josh and Leanne Ian and Charlotte (2) Ben and Em 3.01 23
7 (79) 13 February 2016 4 Keshav and Ruth Scott and Jemima Adam and Roberta Cory and Sophie (1) 2.96 21
8 (80) 20 February 2016 4 Luke and Andrea Nathan and Cat James and Shelley David and Nandini 3.30 18
9 (81) 27 February 2016 4 Louis and Lee Tom and Jodie Patrick and Lacey Jon and Trudy 2.99 22
10 (82) 5 March 2016 4 John and Alice Andrew and Soph Ian and Ndana Jono and Sophie (2) 2.87 23

Christmas Special (2016)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
- (83) 31 December 2016 3 Thom and Tabitha Roman and Jodie Ritchie and Lolly N/A 2.32 29

Valentine's Special (2017)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
- (84) 19 February 2017 3 James and Shauni Nile and Laura Melvin and Jordan N/A 2.31[7] Outside Top 30

Series 9 (2017)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (85) 15 April 2017 3 Mike and Kirstin Dave (n/a) Conrad and Corinne Daniel and Ciara 3.25 17
2 (86) 22 April 2017 4 Ricardo and Helen Charlie and Jo-Tara Harry and Tasha Dan and Kate 3.28 18
3 (87) 29 April 2017 4 Rixy and Krystal Luke and Em Bayo and Miriam Tommy and Cara-Jane 3.05 27
4 (88) 6 May 2017 4 Steve and Sarah Diego and Phillipa Ryan and Paige Michael and Aneeka 3.62 18
5 (89) 13 May 2017 4 Neale and Anna Ben and Emily Jonny and Charley Will and Han 3.32 20
6 (90) 20 May 2017 4 Dathan and Shelley George and Hannah Nick and Katy-Jay Scott and Nicola 3.48 16
7 (91) 27 May 2017 4 Dee and May Johnny and Gillian Declan and Rebecca Gee and Mimi 2.82 21
8 (92) 3 June 2017 4 Mitch and Vicky James and Becky Joey and Daisy Danny and Kaysha 1.76[8] Outside Top 30

Series 10 (2018)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (93) 6 January 2018 4 Jordan and Lucia Phil and Bella16 Nick and Roxy Roscoe and Debi 3.98 25
2 (94) 13 January 2018 4 Dan and Alex Karim and Clarice Jimmy and Jess Sean and Sharlene
3 (95) 20 January 2018 3 Callum and Zoe Sean (n/a) Will and Lexi Sam and Georgia
4 (96) 27 January 2018 4 Ryan and Ieva Cordell and Amberlee Brian and Tanya Lee and Chrissie
5 (97) 3 February 2018 4 Glenn and Luce Harrison and Joanna Jack and Rosie Lloyd and Louise
6 (98) 10 February 2018 4 Josh and Rikki-Lee Martin and Fiona Daniel and Hannah Tai and Bianca-Maria
7 (99) 17 February 2018 3 Steve (n/a) George and Olivia James and Han Callum and Danielle

Notes

  • ^Note 16 : Bella was going to turn her light off during Round 3 but was so engaged in Phil's performance, she never did.

Anniversary Special (2018)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
- (100)17 24 February 2018 TBA Claudia and Cordell Chloe and Gavin

Notes

  • ^Note 17 : This episode was a celebrity special, and for the first time ever, females got to pick the males they wanted to date. This was also the show's 100th episode.

Golden Girls Special (2018)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
- (101) 9 June 2018 TBA

Series 11 (2019)

# Air date No. of couples 1st couple 2nd couple 3rd couple 4th couple Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly ranking
1 (102) 26 October 2019 4 James & Bobbi Berty & TBC Raymond & TBC Lee & TBC
2 (103) 2 November 2019 4 Nathan & TBC Luke & TBC Ryan & TBC Modestas & TBC
3 (104) 9 November 2019 4 Tom & TBC Peter & TBC Joel & TBC Caolan & TBC
4 (105) 16 November 2019 4 Marcus & TBC Ross & TBC Rad & TBC Stephen & TBC
5 (106) 23 November 2019 4 Nathan & TBC Charlie & TBC Kaleb & TBC Sebastian & TBC
6 (107) 30 November 2019 4 Martin & TBC Ollie & TBC Nnamdi & TBC Jack & TBC
7 (108) 7 December 2019 4 Bentley & TBC David & TBC Nick & TBC Josh & Tabitha
8 (109) 14 December 2019 3 Alex & TBC Dean & TBC Matt & TBC N/A
9 (110) 28 December 2019 3 John & TBC Iman & TBC Johnny & TBC N/A

Take Me Out: The Gossip

Take Me Out: The Gossip was a behind-the-scenes sister show that began airing weekly on ITV2 from series 3-5 and 7–9, following the broadcast of the main programme. Most recently, it was presented by Laura Jackson and Mark Wright.[9] Zoe Hardman previously hosted the show with Wright.

A similar format, previously broadcast online, featuring backstage gossip and interviews with the contestants, was regularly made available on itv.com just hours after the broadcast of the main programme.

International versions

Reception

Viewership

Take Me Out has proven popular with the public, generally pulling over 3 million viewers per episode.

Critical reception

In its early days, Take Me Out was reviewed negatively by critics. Shortly after the second series began in December 2010, The Guardian's Tim Dowling said that, "When you strip away its tired, utterly false premise, all that remains of Take Me Out is a lot of flashing lights and some scripted innuendo delivered in a range of regional accents."[10] Reviewing the show after the second series concluded in March 2011, Manchester Grouch of Manchester Central wrote: "ITV should consider renaming the show 'Desperate Moron Lift Disco'" and concluded the review by comparing it to "[...]a drunken Saturday night out that ends up in a dodgy club having a quick fumble with that girl from the hairdressers you’ve been eyeing up all week."[11] Writing for the Metro during the third series of the show in January 2012, Rachel Tarley said that Take Me Out was the "death knell for feminism disguised as entertainment".[12]

However, after the beginning of the fifth series in January 2013, Julia Raeside, also writing for The Guardian, admitted that the show had become "must-see TV" and was "a worthy successor to Blind Date": "[...]when Take Me Out noisily barged its way on to the Saturday night schedules in 2010, it was too much for me. The little I'd seen of it put me off trying a whole episode. But about a series ago, Take Me Out really started to grow on me. One night, out of sheer laziness, I didn't bother to switch over – and now they've got me. I don't like nightclubs and I cover my upper arms at all times. But the women behind those podiums, however much I fail to identify with them for wanting to be on TV with their armpits constantly on show, make it gripping viewing."[13]

Jim Brown

Wrestler Jim Brown, the first contestant on the first series, was accused of continually harassing his date Caroline Mellor despite the fact that their date did not work out. Caroline claimed to receive numerous phone calls and texts from him for over four months. Jim was later also charged with possession of child pornography on his computer. Prior to this, Jim was caught pleasuring himself in a Wishaw Sports Centre cubicle, which alerted the police to investigate him.[14] On 21 March 2014, Jim was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for flouting a ban on going near children.[15]

Wen-Jing Mo and Aaron Withers

The date segment of contestant Wen-Jing Mo scoring a date with construction worker Aaron Withers was axed from the programme.

Damion Merry

The studio segment of contestant Chelsea Stewart scoring a date with model Damion Merry caused controversy when broadcast. During the third and final round, it became apparent that Damion used to date reality television series personality Jodie Marsh, and he later told one of the girls who had turned her light off, Lucy Harrold, that he would have picked her, offending all the girls who still had their lights on.[16] It later transpired that not only was Damion not single at the time the programme was filmed, he was also about to marry his girlfriend Sarah Ann Gras; the segment was broadcast a month after the wedding took place.[17] On This Morning, Marsh later denied having ever dated Damion, saying: "I tell you what, this guy - I went on one date with him, one date...We had pictures in a nightclub, he sold the pictures to the TV show or whoever and gave 'em away and now, it's being told that we had a whole full blown relationship and that I was his ex-girlfriend."[18]

Rory Alexander

The studio segment of contestant Jade scoring a date with banker Rory Alexander was axed from the programme, after it transpired that Rory was serving a suspended sentence for common assault. Jade did not return to the show.[19]

Jarvis Walters

The studio segment of contestant Hannah Reville scoring a date with semi-professional footballer Jarvis Walters was axed from the programme.

Param Singh

Param Singh a Property Developer who appeared on Take Me Out Series 5 and 10 at a networking event in London

Many viewers were extremely offended when one of the girls, who had left her light on for contestant Param Singh, made a joke about contestant Param's turban, saying she was interested in him because she could use his turban to store her phone. Despite the fact Param himself took it light-heartedly, many Sikhs found this remark to be extremely offensive. Param later went on to describe the backlash that he received from sections of the Sikh community.[20][21][22]

Fakery claims

In 2012, several of the contestants accused the show's producers of telling them whom to choose on each episode. Female contestants complained that they were forced to choose men who they didn't find attractive, while some of the show's male contestants went home without a date after the girls were told not to choose them.

"The whole thing is totally misleading and leaves a whole lot of people feeling humiliated and exploited afterwards," one girl who had appeared on the show told the media.

"The producers pulled some of the girls in and said, 'If you’re waiting for George Clooney or Brad Pitt, they’re not coming',"

"They told us to keep our lights on for the next contestant, who was more than 10 years younger than me. I refused and was taken off."

Other female contestants reported that producers had told them to reject certain men even if they liked them because it made better television.[23][24][25]

Influences

Take Me Out is cited by the creators of the website tubecrush.net as being an influence for their website, as they saw it as an example of how the sexual objectification of men had become part of mainstream culture in the UK.[26]

10th anniversary

On 24 February 2018, Take Me Out celebrated its 10th series anniversary on ITV with a special edition of the show where the roles were reversed; with four women choosing from 30 men.[27]

Take Me Out – The Album

Take Me Out – The Album is a 60-song compilation album, which was released 18 November 2013.[28]

Track listing

Disc One
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Counting Stars"OneRepublic4:17
2."It's My Party"Jessie J3:38
3."Burn"Ellie Goulding3:48
4."Disco Love"The Saturdays3:13
5."La La La"Naughty Boy featuring Sam Smith3:40
6."Summertime Sadness" (Cedric Gervais Remix) (Radio Edit)Lana Del Rey3:34
7."Only Girl (In the World)"Rihanna3:55
8."Starships"Nicki Minaj3:30
9."How We Do (Party)"Rita Ora4:06
10."Milkshake"Kelis3:02
11."Ready for the Weekend"Calvin Harris3:37
12."Call My Name"Cheryl Cole3:28
13."OMG"Usher featuring will.i.am4:28
14."Don't Cha"The Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes4:01
15."Let Me Blow Ya Mind"Eve featuring Gwen Stefani3:47
16."Dip It Low"Christina Milian3:16
17."Hips Don't Lie"Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean3:37
18."1 Thing"Amerie3:59
19."Good Feeling"Flo Rida4:07
20."Candy"Robbie Williams3:21
Disc Two
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Wake Me Up"Avicii4:08
2."When Love Takes Over"David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland3:08
3."Hot Right Now"DJ Fresh featuring Rita Ora2:59
4."Just Dance"Lady Gaga featuring Colby O'Donis4:01
5."Party Rock Anthem"LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock3:52
6."Million Voices"Otto Knows3:13
7."Moves Like Jagger"Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera3:20
8."Boomerang"Nicole Scherzinger3:17
9."Maneater"Nelly Furtado3:16
10."Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)"Ne-Yo4:13
11."Don't Stop the Party"Pitbull featuring TJR3:26
12."Beautiful"Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell and Uncle Charlie Wilson4:57
13."I Gotta Feeling"The Black Eyed Peas4:49
14."Hollaback Girl"Gwen Stefani3:20
15."All About Tonight"Pixie Lott3:04
16."Beggin'"Madcon3:35
17."Hey Ya!"Outkast3:55
18."I Need You Tonight"Professor Green featuring Ed Drewett3:43
19."Changed the Way You Kiss Me"Example3:12
20."Miami 2 Ibiza"Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah2:56
Disc Three
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Blurred Lines"Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell3:51
2."Love Me Again"John Newman3:34
3."I Love It"Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX2:33
4."Gangnam Style"Psy3:38
5."Spice Up Your Life"Spice Girls2:52
6."Toxic"Britney Spears3:20
7."Wings"Little Mix3:38
8."Love Machine"Girls Aloud3:24
9."Mama Do the Hump"Rizzle Kicks3:35
10."Call Me Maybe"Carly Rae Jepsen3:12
11."Domino"Jessie J3:19
12."Push the Button"Sugababes3:37
13."Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"Cyndi Lauper3:51
14."Murder on the Dancefloor"Sophie Ellis-Bextor3:36
15."Don't Stop Movin'"S Club 73:50
16."Dreamer"Livin' Joy3:39
17."Two Can Play That Song" (K Klassic Radio Mix)Bobby Brown3:30
18."Mysterious Girl"Peter Andre3:36
19."Fernando"ABBA4:11
20."All by Myself"Jamie O'Neal4:37

Board game

A board game was released on 3 August 2011 by Rocket Games which features host Paddy Mcguinness on the cover of the box. It contains: light and buzzer number unit, 100 single man cards, 50 the power is in your hand cards, 1 single girl pad, 12 isle of FERNANDO'S vouchers, coloured dice and rules.[29]

References

  1. Bourne, Dianne (5 May 2011). "Paddy McGuinness hopes his show Take Me Out makes a 'return' date". Manchester Evening News.
  2. Sperling, Daniel (14 August 2012). "Take Me Out renewed for two more series by ITV". Digital Spy.
  3. Mundy, Manish Pandey and Ben (11 February 2020). "Take Me Out ends: How it changed our life". BBC News. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  4. "Cheap Package Holidays - Exclusive Offers - Last Minute Deals - Directline Holidays".
  5. "Where is the Isle of FERNANDO'S!?". Retrieved 2 March 2012.
  6. "BARB". Archived from the original on 25 April 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2009.
  7. "The Ratings Thread (Part 69) - Page 220". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  8. "The Ratings Thread (Part 69) - Page 555". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  9. "Take Me Out and all new Take Me Out: The Gossip return to ITV and ITV2". ITV Press Centre.
  10. Dowling, Tim (13 December 2013). "TV review: Take Me Out". The Guardian. London: Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  11. "TV review: Take Me Out". Manchester Confidential. 22 March 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  12. Tarley, Rachel (21 January 2013). "Take Me Out is the death knell for feminism disguised as entertainment". Metro. London: Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  13. Raeside, Julia (8 January 2013). "TV review: Take Me Out". The Guardian. London: Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  14. Paedophile who exposed himself at Wishaw Sports Centre freed from prison Daily Record
  15. Cockerton, Paul (21 March 2014). "Serial sex offender who appeared on Take Me Out is jailed for two years after defying ban to stay away from children". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
  16. "Take Me Out - Damion Merry: the most embarrassing moment EVER!! (4.2.12)". YouTube. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  17. Sperling, Daniel (11 February 2012). "'Take Me Out' Jodie Marsh ex 'marries secret girlfriend'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  18. "Jodie Marsh denies dating Take Me Out rat Damion Merry". New!. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  19. Daily Mirror (14 January 2012). "Take Me Out rocked after SECOND criminal assault conviction is revealed". Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  20. "Is your faith holding you back?". Channel 4. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  21. "Let the turban see the racists…". manvirchauhan. 6 January 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  22. "Take me out Saturday 5th Jan 2013 Review – Param Style". saviarora. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  23. Metro. "Take Me Out Branded Fake".
  24. Metro. "Fake Me Out".
  25. Simon, Boyle. "Fake Me Out: Girls 'told which men to choose for date' in TV scam".
  26. Cooke, Matt (25 August 2011). "Tube and train commuters caught on camera". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
  27. "There's only one woman in the new Take Me Out episode". The Independent. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  28. "Take Me Out - The Album: Amazon.co.uk: Music".
  29. "Take Me Out Board Game".
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