David Walliams unveiled as face of new Blankety Blank

ITV has confirmed it will be making a Christmas episode of the show, 14 years after it was last on air.

Blankety Blank was previously presented by Terry Wogan from 1979 until 1983 and Les Dawson until 1990.

Referring to the famous moment that series regular Kenny Everett destroyed Terry’s microphone, he added:

Paul O’Grady and his alter-ego Lily Savage revived the show on the BBC in 1997, before it moved to ITV for a year in 2001.

Britain’s Got Talent judge David, 45, said he hoped the Christmas special would introduce the show to younger viewers.

“I loved Terry Wogan and Les Dawson as a child, and Paul O’Grady was absolutely hilarious,” the funnyman said.

“I hope I can bring this much-loved show to life for a new generation.”

There is speculation that the programme – which saw contestants have to fill in the missing word in a sentence – could return for a full series if the one-off is a success.

Peter Davey, ITV’s head of comedy entertainment, said: “Blankety Blank is a much-loved classic game show and this Christmas special on ITV will delight fans of the original whilst bringing it to life for a whole new generation.

“David Walliams is the perfect host for this – he’ll bring his comedic talents and warm personality to the show.”

David previously appeared on a Comic Relief charity edition of Blankety Blank as part of a 24-hour panel show marathon in 2011.