Iran’s version of Blind Date is being shut down by the Islamic Republic’s leaders after the show became a huge hit with young people dreaming of a more Western lifestyle.

The Iranian version of Blind Date was shut down by the country’s theocratic rulers after the program gained immense popularity among younger audiences dreaming of a more Western lifestyle.

The crackdown comes after more than a year of nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested for inappropriately wearing a hijab.

The Iranian version of the show, which has been watched by millions of viewers online, sees young men and women attempt to find love by answering questions posed by Iranian influencer Viny.

The show’s Instagram page has also been blocked by “order of the honorable judicial authority” until “further notice”.

The British version of the show, best known for its run on ITV when it was hosted by Cilia Black between 1985 and 2003, attracted an audience of 14 million viewers at its peak.

Viny, born in 2003, was a popular comedian and YouTuber before hosting the Iranian version of Blind Date.

Some episodes, which remain available on YouTube, provide a rare insight into life in a pariah state, where wearing the hijab is compulsory for women and where 650 people were recently killed in street protests.

In one episode, a woman named Neusha reveals that she has spent the last 12 years living in California, where she works as a real estate agent.

More than 1.8 million young Iranians have left the country since 2020.

Her potential partner, Majid, reveals that he is an accomplished and successful sportsman, prompting Neusha to show off her muscles in approval.

Viny then asks the candidates the month of their birth because, in Iran, astrology is considered useful when it comes to choosing a husband or wife.

After revealing that he was born in June, Majid appears to shock a disappointed Neusha, as she exclaims: “Oh no! Really?’

The crackdown on the show comes after more than a year of nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini (pictured), a young woman who was arrested for wearing the hijab incorrectly.

Viny also asks the couple about their happiest and saddest moments, Western culture and their favorite Persian cuisine.

Dealing a major blow to their chances of romance, Majid reveals that he hates the smell of onion, a major ingredient in Neusha’s beloved ground lamb kebabs.

Although such talk seems innocent by Western standards, dating can be difficult in a country that requires its citizens to adhere to strict Islamic laws.

A 2022 study found that half of Iran’s 86 million people were under the age of 35, with almost 68% single.