Brand New Series of First Dates - Press Pack

Category: Press Pack

12 December 2023

ABOUT FIRST DATES

After 10 years of matchmaking on screen, First Dates returns with its biggest series yet, as maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team of cupids watch sparks fly between a fresh line-up of blind daters at a brand-new restaurant location. The city of Bath stars as the romantic hot-spot at the heart of the BAFTA-winning dating series, alongside new restaurant staff members and some of the most unforgettable dating moments the show has ever featured, promising more matches and fireworks than ever before. This new series will see more singletons hoping to find love, guided by Fred Sirieix, bartender Merlin Griffiths and waitress Cici Coleman. They will be joined by Francesca Martu from ‘First Dates Hotel’ and several new faces in the First Dates restaurant; Kofi Yeboah-Mensah, Aoife Smyth and Jamie McCleave. Recently voted the UK’s most romantic city and holding the top spot on polls as the UK’s most beautiful city, Bath is famed for its charming period architecture, the historical Roman baths, as well as its connection to celebrated author Jane Austen.

Previously filmed at restaurant locations in London and Manchester, First Dates has become one of the UK’s best-loved and most watched series since it first aired in 2013. The programme has received a string of awards and nominations and has seen local versions launched in over 20 territories around the world. Maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team have helped match up hundreds of couples in that time, leading to a host of engagements, marriages and even a baby. Such is the popularity of the show that a spin off, First Dates Hotel, was launched in 2017, seeing daters travel to luxurious hotels in France and Italy in the hope of finding their soulmate.

ABOUT THE BOTANIST BATH

The First Dates restaurant is located at the stunning and magical, The Botanist Bath, housed in the extraordinary Octagon Chapel, a grade II listed building built in 1767. The building is steeped in history and was originally a church frequented by author Jane Austen.

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Press Pack

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Introduction from Richard Mears - Executive Producer

First Dates' 10th anniversary felt very special to us, so we really wanted to pull out all the stops to make this a great series for daters and viewers alike. We wanted to keep all the First Dates' warmth and heart that we all know and love, but it was also a great time to refresh things. We have a

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Meet the new staff of the First Dates restaurant

Francesca Martusciello For the tenth anniversary, First Dates are welcoming familiar face Francesca who viewers may recognise from First Dates Hotel. Francesca, from Italy, has over 20 years experience in the business; starting out as a sommelier and now working as a Hotel Manager. Having worked in

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Interview with Fred Sirieix

First Dates is back with a beautiful new restaurant. How does it feel to be filming in Bath? Filming in Bath was the best decision we've made. For me, it felt like the best ever First Dates that we've had in 10 years. It was just really beautiful and magical. Everybody's energy, enthusiasm and

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Interview with Merlin Griffiths

First Dates is back in a beautiful new restaurant, how does it feel to be filming in Bath? Magical, I have an historical connection with Bath from when I was much younger as I grew up in Cheltenham and so it’s lovely to be back in a part of the world I know and love. Bath is beautiful. What makes

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Interview with Cici Coleman

First Dates is back in a beautiful new restaurant. How does it feel to be filming in Bath? It's got a different energy. It's very pretty. You automatically get a different feel from London. It's got greenery, it's very calm and like it's more romantic. And then the restaurant is in a listed building

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Interview with Francesca Martu

First Dates is back in a beautiful new restaurant. How does it feel to be filming in Bath? Oh it’s beautiful. Such a nice, amazing location. Bath is beautiful. It's a city with an Italian background, you know you can feel the romance in Bath. Do you have any behind the scenes secrets you can share

12 Dec 23 Press Pack Article

Interview with Kobi Yeboah-Mensah and Aoife Smyth

Tell us about the new series of First Dates. Aoife: It’s a celebration of everything First Dates have achieved in the 10 years that the series has been going. It's incredible to be part of a new set of people that are getting to experience that with the OGs, Fred, Merlin, CiCi and Francesca. We've