‘Celebrities have to ask about splitting the bill too’: Fred Sirieix promises plenty of awkwardness on Celebrity First Dates
French Maitre'D lifts lid on latest batch of famous singletons
FIRST Dates' Maitre D' Fred Sirieix has seen a lot of first date nerves - and that goes for the celebrities on tonight's show, too.
Returning to Channel 4 tonight, Celebrity First Dates will see EastEnders star Richard Blackwood, national treasure Esther Rantzen and ex-Towie star Jessica Wright wait at the bar for their mystery dining partner.
And Fred told The Sun online that they were just as nervous as every other singleton who's appeared on the show.
He said: "I think everyone who puts themselves forward for the programme is very brave; the celebrities are no exception.
"It’s very nerve-wracking and exposing for all our daters but the series is so kind-hearted and warm, people know by now that they’re more than likely to have a pleasant evening with us, and it’ll be worth the nerves!"
"As with all dates, there are those classic awkward moments: the initial greeting (hug, one kiss or two?), moments of silence (awkward or comfortable), the splitting of the bill...
"I’d say celebrities are more used to meeting new people and therefore can possibly sustain conversation more easily but despite that, there are certainly a few moments across the series that will have you peering between your fingers."
The 43-year-old who claims he's "never had a bad first date", thinks that the public's love for the show is because it shows celebrities are just like us.
He explained: "It’s just so nice to see that underneath it all, we’re all the same!
"I think it’s re-assuring. It’s also fascinating to get an insight in to the lives of the celebrities who take part in the series.
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"We’re able to get a snapshot of what life is like for those with glamorous careers, whilst at the same time realising that they’re totally relatable and have all the same worries and simple pleasures as we do."
There's been no shortage of good looking daters appearing on the programme, but Fred believes that Jess' partner might be one of the hottest.
He revealed: "What a handsome man! I think Cici and Laura were a bit distracted from their tables when he arrived in the restaurant.
"Jess was looking forward to meeting the man we’d set her up with – whoever he may be – having discussed in depth what she was looking for in a partner. I don’t think she was too disappointed."
Away from psychoanalyising the daters and making sure people are happy and comfortable, Fred has been busy working on his first book.
He said: "I can’t reveal too much at the moment, but there will be something exciting happening on Twitter this evening when the celebrity special airs, so keep your eyes peeled!
"Follow me at @fredsirieix1."
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