Back on screen
Channel 4’s First Dates return date revealed – and one singleton has a real-life connection to Fred Sirieix
Romantic hopefuls are returning to the First Dates restaurant to look for love
FANS of First Dates will be delighted to know the series is returning to Channel 4 next month, with a fresh batch of hopeful singletons.
The first episode of the new series of First Dates sees an old friend of Fred's make their appearance in the restaurant.
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Justine, a friend of Maitre D’ Fred, is the owner of Fred Sirieix’s favourite cafe, where he always orders a cheese and ham toastie.
53-year-old Justine’s vice in life is chocolate and hoping to melt her heart is chocolate expert, 59-year-old, Angus.
The pair bond over their similar stories: after experiencing rejection and heartbreak, raising kids and rebuilding their lives, both are ready to find love again.
Yet it remains to be seen whether Angus and Justine will be a match or not.
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Also looking for love is 24-year-old fashionista Lucy, who has never had a boyfriend.
Lucy suffered a long illness which means she now uses a stoma bag, and she opens up to bartender Merlin, who has lived through a similar experience.
Lucy’s date is the moustache bearing and pearl-necklace-wearing Ben.
The pair connect over fashion, charity shops and a shared obsession with Harry Styles.
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With a shared passion for fashion, this could be Lucy's first relationship if things go well.
The series also sees 39-year-old hairdresser Clint admit that dates tend to find him rude as he reveals: "I definitely don’t think before I talk".
EXCL Watch the moment First Dates singleton admits she'll stalk her date after dinner - and reveals strange fetish
His match is long haul cabin crew Dani, also 39, who finds his jet setting job is a hindrance to settling down.
Writer, Jack, bears more than a passing resemblance to his namesake Captain Jack Sparrow. He’s hoping to meet someone who makes his “arse flutter”.
Enter Chloe, a singer in a rock band wearing an eye-catching leather dress. From the moment Jack and Chloe meet and compliment each other’s eye liner, sparks fly.
Jack even writes Chloe a poem… and she goes one better, performing a serenade that brings the restaurant to a standstill and leaves Jack stunned.
First Dates will air on Channel 4 at 10PM on 3rd February.
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.
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