First Look at Fred Sirieix behind bars as First Dates star takes on toughest TV challenge yet

Fred Sirieix swaps glitz and glam for prison in new documentary

Fred Sirieix, best known for his role on the popular TV show First Dates, is embarking on a new TV challenge that takes him out of his comfort zone. In this brand new documentary, Fred is placed behind bars at HMP Lincoln's eatery, Bertie's. But don't worry, it's all for a good cause.

Teaching prisoners the tricks of the trade

As part of the documentary, Fred and his charity The Right Course are training the prisoners in the art of working in a restaurant environment. The aim is to equip them with the skills and qualifications they need to secure employment once they are released from the prison system. This initiative is a part of the Ministry of Justice's efforts to help prisoners transition successfully back into society and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Airing on YouTube

The documentary, titled "Served," will be available to watch on the Ministry of Justice YouTube channel. It follows the journey of the prisoners as they learn from Fred's expertise and try to impress him with their own skills. Viewers will get an inside look into the experiences of both the prisoners and the staff supporting their learning.

Success stories already emerging

Since filming in May, one of the prisoners featured in the documentary has already secured a job in the industry after being released. This is a promising result for the project, highlighting the potential for employment to make a positive impact on the lives of ex-prisoners.

An opportunity for prisoners to dine with their families

In addition to the training program, Bertie's also offers well-behaved prisoners the chance to dine with their families during visits. This unique experience allows them to see both sides of the restaurant industry – as staff and customers. The hope is that this experience will help build or rebuild family ties for the prisoners.

Supporting the initiative

Matt Spencer, the HMP Lincoln Governor, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Fred and his charity, stating that providing vocational training and work experience will lead to good quality jobs upon release and reduce the risk of reoffending. This collaboration is an important step towards helping offenders rebuild their confidence and secure job opportunities.

Served will be available to watch on the Ministry of Justice YouTube channel starting today at 12pm.