Bingo calls with a modern twist

Mecca Bingo, which has 85 clubs across the UK, has decided to revamp the rhyming slang and nicknames for numbers used in bingo games. Photos / 123RF, Michelle Hyslop, AP

Little Mix, a Tinder date and moobs could soon be helping punters towards a full house.

Mecca Bingo, which has 85 clubs across the UK, has decided to revamp the rhyming slang and nicknames for numbers used in bingo games, many of which date back to the 1950s and beyond.

The firm asked its social media followers to vote for new bingo calls which are "fresh, current and everyone can enjoy." Trial sessions with the updated versions are planned for the New Year.

"Tom Mix" - an actor from Western silent movies - was traditionally used for number six. But he makes way for the female pop group "Little Mix".

Eight will now be "Tinder date", a reference to the online dating app, rather than "garden gate". Moobs, an abbreviation of the phrase "man boobs", will replace 'two fat ladies' for number 88.

Another famous call, "clickety click" for number 66, becomes "historic US route" - after the American highway Route 66.

"Adele" replaces "duck and dive" for 25, because that was the title of the singer's successful third album. And pop music also influenced the new number 22. Instead of "two little ducks", it will be 'I don't know about you', a reference to lyrics from Taylor Swift's song - 22.

Caroline Webb, from Mecca Bingo, said: "With bingo attracting record numbers of younger players, we wanted to tap into the resurgence of interest in the game. Bingo calls are rarely used in Britain's bingo halls these days, so the trial of 21st century inspired calls is sure to ignite excitement."