First Dates Valentine Special Celebrates Love Stories
Channel 4's beloved dating show First Dates returned with a Valentine's special, blending established romance with fresh hopefuls. The episode spotlighted host Fred Sirieix and his wife, known as Fruitcake, reminiscing about their own thunderbolt moment.
Fred and Fruitcake's Peckham Romance
Peckham High Street, famed for Only Fools and Horses romances, now adds Fred Sirieix and Fruitcake to its lore. At Fred's restaurant in Bath, the couple recounted their first meeting. "You started to smile at me," Fred recalled, "and I had to stop and ask you for your number." Fruitcake purred, "Best day of my life."
She tested his memory, quizzing him on her attire and the weather that day. Fred aced it, remembering her "jeans with holes in" and a "fine drizzle." Their playful role-play as strangers "Michelle" and "Fred" highlighted their chemistry, though it quickly ended. The couple, celebrating their first wedding anniversary, offered a rare glimpse of an established pair on the show.
Fred Sirieix: The Incorrigible Romantic Host
As host for over 12 years and nearly 200 episodes, Fred embodies French romanticism. The show boasts a respectable success rate, with at least five couples marrying, credited to producers' matchmaking skills. This episode reinforced his role in fostering connections.
New Hopefuls: Andrea and Patrick's Match
Emergency call handler Andrea, 55, sought "the male version of me"—a travel-loving, banter-filled partygoer with a taste for Girls Aloud-era music. Enter Patrick, 55, who described himself as "always up for a laugh" and shared her favorite band. Their alignment showcased the show's uncanny pairing ability.
Gogglebox's Daniel Seeks Love Again
The special featured Channel 4 celebrity Daniel from Brighton, a Gogglebox veteran known for his three poodles. The 50-year-old hairdresser, split from husband Stephen two years ago but still shares a house, went on a date with Simon, a 48-year-old paramedic.
Simon's reaction to Daniel's living situation revealed the tension viewers crave: will strangers find true love? When Daniel joked about moving in, Simon's expression suggested a desire to flee, compounded by disliking the menu. Sometimes, stars don't align, underscoring the show's realistic portrayal of dating.
This Valentine's special blended nostalgia with new beginnings, highlighting love's unpredictability and the enduring appeal of First Dates.
