It’s one of Britain’s biggest blind date shows, but there’s so much we don’t know about First Dates
WATCHING strangers get paired up and sent on dates makes for some incredible TV, so it’s no wonder we have so many dating shows here in the UK.
First Dates is one of Channel 4’s longest-running dating shows, kicking off nine years ago back in June 2013.
Now, 17 seasons and countless spin-offs later, it’s still a guilty pleasure for many.
Whilst First Dates has paired up some legitimate couples, who have gone on to get married and start a family, for the most part, the couples don’t tend to work out.
So, how does the show work? Like most reality dating TV shows, there’s a lot more to it than just turning up at the restaurant.
Here’s all you need to know…
The First Dates restaurant recently relocated
For the majority of its seasons, the First Dates restaurant was set at the Paternoster Chop House in London.
However, it relocated to another fine dining spot in Manchester back in 2020.
It is now based at The Refinery, which is in the swanky Spinningfields area of the northern city.
A good ‘sob story’ will help you get on the show
According to a previous dater on the show, Terry Lee, having a sob story is encouraged by producers.
In an interview with Metro, he revealed: “I noticed one thing they always wanted to do was push you towards a bit of a sob story – a bit X Factor-ish.
He explained that he’d “never really had anything like that. So that’s something they always struggled with when it came to me.”
There’s a secret second restaurant
On the day of your date, you don’t just walk straight into the restaurant – despite it looking that way!
Also speaking to Metro, ex-contestant Chrissie Wunna revealed there is a completely different restaurant nearby that all contestants have to head to prior to their date.
This is where they all film the green screen chats, which is what we see when we’re introduced to the hopeful singletons at the start of their segments.
Here they talk about their hopes for the dates, what they’re keeping an eye out for, and whether or not they’re nervous.
Chrissie told the publication: “I was sat in a green room in a completely different restaurant, with all the other women that were about to go on their date.”
There’s a limit on how much you’re allowed to drink
Like all other reality shows, First Dates has a duty of care, so it’s no surprise they limit the amount of booze that contestants are allowed to consume.
Yes, pre-date nerves are normal, and many of us have a drink or two to calm those nerves, but two glasses of wine are the limit, according to Chrissie, who explained: “They’re really, really careful when it comes to drinking”.
Contestants only get a small amount towards their total bill
You’d think given it is such a huge TV show, that those going on the dates would have fully comped meals, right? Not at all!
Numerous ex-contestants have revealed that they are expected to fund the majority of the meal and drinks, getting only £25 per head towards the total.
Terry supported these claims, adding “The show gives you £25 as your budget”.
He said that restaurant bills would “probably be £150” for the table, meaning each guest would still have to fork out around £50 each, after the show’s discount.
Contestants get a fancy hotel after the date
Chrissie revealed that despite the £25 budget, “the [show producers] look after you really well”, putting the daters up in separate hotels that evening.
The former contestant revealed “You get put in separate hotels and you can choose whether you’re going to go there, or to go out for drinks.”
First Dates is available to watch on All 4
