‘First Dates’ returns to Channel 4 on 2nd January 2024 with its biggest series yet.
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 Francecsa Martu from ‘First Dates Hotel’ and several new faces in the First Dates restaurant; Kofi Yeboah-Mensah, Aoife Smyth and Jamie McCleave.
MEET THE NEW CAST
Francesca Martu
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 Bath during her time in the UK when she was younger, she is delighted to be returning to the ‘most romantic restaurant in the most romantic city.’
Jamie McCleave
Jamie is a skilled bartender with a passion for cocktails and prides himself on his excellent customer service. He combines an extensive knowledge of mixology with a past record of delivering high-end service standards in a five-star environment. Originally from Bath, Jamie has been in the hospitality industry since he left school, and moved to London a couple of years ago to pursue his dream of serving A-listers at the Savoy – which he did right up until joining the First Dates Restaurant this year.
Aoife Smyth
Aoife has worked in restaurants for most of her adult life purely because she loves the social aspect and getting to know people from all walks of life – the ‘Oprah of the industry’ if you will!. She is a self-confessed theatre geek and is currently learning Italian because ‘she loves how theatrical it is’. Aoife will always go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to make customers feel comfortable and happy – hope they leave having had the best experience possible.
Kofi Yeboah-Mensah
Kofi is an experienced waiter at bars and restaurants across London and he loves nothing more than seeing the potential romance on shift and will try whatever he can to “wing man” his dates by sometimes bringing out complimentary desserts for them to share. He is also a keen wine enthusiast and dreams of one day becoming a sommelier, and is hoping the First Dates Restaurant will teach him a thing or two.
