For the past three years, Channel 4’s First Dates has allowed us to live vicariously through the frustrations of modern dating. Last night, the First Dates Hotel opened to a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages looking to take the next big romantic step, and it was totes emotes.
In the opening episode of the new series, we saw Maître-d Fred Siriex and his service team of matchmakers take a break from the First Dates restaurant to run their very own summer season of love at a luxury hotel in the south of France.
If you always reach the end of an episode and shout “but I want to see what happens next!” – then this more intensive 48 hour version of the match-making experience is for you. The brand new format means that if the answer to “would you like to see them again?” is “yes” their stay in the romantic hotel is extended. Those who don’t meet with success on their first date will be re-matched for a second chance at finding love.
The idyllic setting saw guests transported to the romantically charged boutique hotel with dates such as picnics, bike-rides, pool-side lunches and candle-lit meals under the stars.
The series’ editor, Adam Chapman commented on the show’s new format:
“Having worked across multiple series of first dates we’re really excited to develop the format and take it into a new space. The hotel, whilst retaining all of the charm of the restaurant series gives the viewer the chance to see first dates develop into second dates answering that eternal question ‘what happens next’.
Fred will be on hand as always to deliver a bespoke first date like no other. The First Dates Hotel is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life; an oasis of romance where daters can concentrate on one thing and one thing only – finding love.”
Episode one didn’t fail to disappoint as we watched model and stylist Kelly search for a man to pass muster with her Daddy, a 6’2″ bodybuilder who phoned her mid-date for a progress report and demanded a photograph of her match.
Fifty-seven-year-old street cleaner Bruce reduced us to tears in his search to sweep one lucky lady off her feet. Having been widowed for seven years, he shared his determination to live life to the full and find love again.
Personal trainer Joey, 26, tasked Fred with finding him his first ever boyfriend. Shy Joey used to weigh 18 stone and went to France in search of a confidence reboot, with one dating requirement: his date had to have sticky-out ears. Sadly, aurally endowed Scot Paddy didn’t hear his call for love loud and clear. Sniff.
Eco-warior Finella has found it next to impossible to find a man to save the planet with her. Her date was sustainable architect Richard, who struggled to work out the right way to greet a lady in France: two kisses, a hug, or a handshake? He eventually settled on all three. Cringe.
If you didn’t catch last night’s episode make sure you tune in next week because we have a feeling in our waters that this could be the best series of First Dates EVER.
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