Maître d’ Fred Sirieix is undoubtedly one of the best parts of Channel 4 show First Dates, as he dishes out compliments at the front desk and offers pearls of wisdom.
The Frenchman first appeared on the show in 2013, joined by key fixtures like bartender Merlin Griffiths, and waiters Sam Conrad and Austin Ventour, and waitresses Cici Coleman and Laura Tott.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Online, the 48-year-old lifted the lid on what goes on behind-the-scenes on the show, ahead of the upcoming Valentine’s Day special on February 13.
Hinting at backstage chaos, he said: “We have our own private naughty conversations which I can’t tell you about!”
Fred, 48, opened up about the chats that take place away from the cameras, as the staff discusses the dates dining out at the restaurant.
First Dates maître d’ Fred Sirieix is everyone’s favourite matchmaker (Image: Channel 4)
“We have a great relationship, we have a lot of fun. It’s always fun to go and work and film and run the restaurant.
“We genuinely have a good time behind the scenes and we have a great production team. That’s what makes the show, really.”
He added: “There are operational conversations which are necessary. We talk about the daters and whether they are working or not.”
The restaurant expert revealed the staff can tell whether a date will be successful by their body language, as they watch the pairing play out.
Fred can spot a success story “straight away”, as he used one of the couples from the upcoming Valentine’s special as an example.
Bartender Merlin Griffiths has been a fixture on the show since day one (Image: TV Grab)
“With one of the couples you could see straight away, they have eyes on each other an as soon as they walk to table and even sat down, you could see they were eating each other up before dessert.
“The chemistry was very much there. It was electrifying that scene actually.”
The TV personality revealed the team often receive wedding invites from happy couples on the show, hoping to show their appreciation for their match-making skills.
Laura Tott, Sam Conrad and Grant Urquhart regularly share selfies from the show
He said: “We do get invited to weddings but time is very precious and it’s not always possible to go to somebody’s wedding but we wish them well!
“Our job is to put them together, to organise their first date and to wish them well.”
Luckily for viewers, Fred and his French charms are here to stay, as he said: “How can you be bored of love, and how can you be bored of First Dates?
“I don’t see myself going anywhere. I love that show. It’s very positive for me in my life.”
First Dates Valentine’s Special airs on February 13 at 10pm on Channel 4
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
