Over the last decade, First Dates has been a beacon of hope for many singletons in search of love and companionship. Viewers have witnessed some unforgettable moments, disastrous dates, successful marriages, and even the birth of children. However, one constant throughout the Channel 4 series has been its staff.
The bartenders and waiting team, led by Maitre d' Fred Siriex, have gained their own fame over the years due to their comical reactions and insightful commentary on the dates. With cameras covering every nook and cranny of the restaurant, including GoPros in the toilets, not even the staff can avoid being filmed. They are often spotted whispering in the kitchen when they notice a date going south or awkwardly standing with the card machine as they wait to see who will foot the bill.
Fred and his team will soon grace our screens again in a brand new series of First Dates, welcoming more hopeful singletons to the luxurious The Botanist Bar and Restaurant in . Alongside Fred, bartender Merlin Griffiths and waitress Cici Coleman will return, joined by waiting staff including Aoife Smyth, Kofi Yeboah-Mensah, Francesca Martusciello and Jamie McCleave. But what happens in the lives of the First Dates staff when the cameras stop rolling? Fred is the embodiment of charm as the maitre dhotel, greeting guests with a warm smile at the door of the restaurant or hotel.
The 52-year-old French native honed his craft in front-of-house service at a Michelin-star establishment in France.