A FIRST Dates participant has revealed how the hit Channel 4 show is really filmed. 

The series aims to find ordinary people a love match and returned to Channel 4 on Tuesday night with a new series. 

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But as viewer settle in to watch the dates take place at the First Dates restaurant, a previous contestant, Annabelle Gauntlett, has revealed her previous experience of the show. 

Annabelle originally applied to appear on First Dates as a joke and didn’t expect to be called for an interview in Manchester with the show’s bosses.

She told the Inverness Courier: “For over two hours a team of television producers questioned me about my personality and non-existent love life. Bearing in mind my episode was filmed during Covid times, I never expected to actually make the cast list.”

Following the interview Annabelle had a session with a psychiatrist to ensure she was mentally stable to go on TV, and after ticking all the boxes, they had found her a match.

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She continued: “As I made my way back up to Manchester to visit the official First Dates restaurant, I couldn’t quite believe what I was doing. I was crippled with anxiety as I waited in anticipation for the camera crew to attach my mic.”

When Annabelle walked into the iconic restaurant, she was greeted by Fred Sirieix, who is the host of the show.  

She said: “He took me to the bar, and I began to have a pleasant chat with Merlin Griffiths, the bartender and we laughed about my hometown.”

Annabelle then met her blind date - Charlie from North London - and it wasn’t long until she forgot the cameras and enjoyed the date. 

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She explained: “While people might expect the set to be staged and camera’s to be floating around the table, it is actually quite the opposite. On the show you are left to your own devices, just like a normal date.”

Viewers often see the couple’s debating over who will pay the bill at the end of the meal, and Annabelle revealed a fact about that part of the process, which may surprise some.

She said: “At the end of the date, which flew by, came the bill, which was in fact paid by the cast and after some debate, Charlie paid. As we left the restaurant feeling at ease with each other's company, we were taken to the filming room to confront the camera as to if we were going to see each other again.”

Both agreed that they wanted to see each other again then they headed back to the hotel they had been put up in and shared a few drinks in each other's company.

However, Annabelle and Charlie did not continue their romance, as she explained: “While we both enjoyed the experience and getting to know each other, it just wasn’t meant to be as Charlie continued his long shift patterns as a chef in London, and I moved to Scotland to pursue my dream as a journalist.

She added: “Overall, the experience was one I will never forget and I’m delighted to have made a friend to laugh about it with.”

First Dates airs on Channel Four on Tuesdays at 10pm 

First Dates cast

Fred Sirieix

Fred is the charismatic French maître d'hôtel who hosts First Dates. He has a rich background in the hospitality industry, with over 30 years of experience. Fred has been part of the reality show since 2015 and his charming personality helps to put punters going on the dates at ease.

Merlin Griffiths

Merlin is the bartender on First Dates. His friendly presence and expert mixology skills contribute to the show's warm atmosphere. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Merlin was in the bar industry for over two decades before offering his services to the Channel 4 series. Outside of First Dates, Merlin also owns and operates his own bar.

Cici Coleman

Cici is the show's outgoing waitress. She trained as an actress before joining the cast of First Dates, which lends theatrical flair to her role. Her ability to make guests feel at ease, coupled with her genuine interest in their stories, has endeared her to viewers. Outside of her work on First Dates, Cici continues to pursue her passion for acting and fitness, often sharing insights into her life and career on social media.