We chat love advice, female fans and who should pay the bill over dinner with First Dates maître d’ Fred Sirieix
How has your life changed since First Dates hit our screens in 2013?
I was working a lot before and now I’m working a lot more! But it’s good and I enjoy it.
I spend five days a week as the general manager of [Michelin-star London restaurant] Galvin at Windows.
I have two days off and fit everything else into my diary.
Do you get lots of attention from women now?
No more than I did before.
I think the attention comes because they love the programme rather than in a lustful way, which suits me just fine!
Propositions come from time to time, but I’m very busy.
What are your top tips for a first date?
Jean-Paul Sartre [the French philosopher] said: “We must act out passion before we can feel it.”
I’m not saying fake it, but there has to be a certain enthusiasm, desire and anticipation to go on a first date.
You have to give it your best shot because if you do that, and the other person does it too, there will be fireworks.
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?
I’ve never been on a bad date. Even if somebody doesn’t turn up, it’s not a bad date!
Just say: “C’est la vie,” and move on because there are plenty more fish in the sea.
Do you think French men are more romantic?
Did you say the best lovers? [Laughs] I’m just joking.
What is being romantic at the end of the day? It’s how you think about somebody else.
Am I as romantic as I could be? I think I have a lot to learn and need to be better. I’m only a disciple and will never be a master.
How many times have you been in love?
I don’t know. I guess three, four, five? I started young!
It was reported earlier this year that you’d split from Alex, your partner of 12 years and the mother of your two children. Can we ask about your love life?
I’d rather not talk about it, but I’m very happy.
OOH LA LA! Get the full lowdown on Fred Sirieix, the much-loved First Dates maître d’
Would you ever consider joining a dating app like Tinder?
I think dating apps are good, but you have so much choice, which makes it difficult because the grass is always greener.
For sex, it’s fine, but it depends what you’re looking for.
I’ve got compulsive behaviours so if I were on Tinder I’d be like this [pretends to swipe manically] because how can you focus?
What do your children make of your fame?
My son is OK with it, but my daughter doesn’t like it.
My son will protect me and say: “Papa, you know people are looking at you?”
For them, I’m their dad. It gives you a sense of perspective.
Do you think men and women should always split the bill 50/50 on a date?
It depends, but why should a man be expected to pay? It’s just crazy.
Now women want the same rights and everything else. I’m all for that. I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy.
- Watch First Dates, Tuesdays, 10pm, Channel 4.
