Channel 4's beloved dating programme, First Dates, has triumphantly returned for a brand new series, bringing with it a fresh wave of hopeful singles searching for romance. The BAFTA-winning show, which first captivated audiences in 2013, continues to follow individuals as they embark on their inaugural dates at an upscale restaurant, expertly hosted by the charismatic French maître d', Fred Sirieix, and his dedicated team. From awkward encounters to blossoming connections, the series has cultivated a loyal following, with many viewers openly admitting their addiction to the heartfelt drama.
Behind the Scenes of First Dates
While the spotlight often shines on the main daters, the restaurant is typically filled with cheerful background participants enjoying meals and companionship. But what is it genuinely like to be part of this televised experience? Several individuals have taken to social media to divulge their behind-the-scenes stories, shedding light on the realities of being a background dater, including details about compensation and on-set procedures.
Social Media Revelations
On platforms like Reddit, one curious viewer inquired about the experience after receiving approval for an upcoming series, mentioning they were required to sign a waiver. This prompted a flurry of responses from past participants, eager to share their tales.
One commenter disclosed, "You receive £25 each, which conveniently matches the cost of the set menu. We had to enter through the kitchen to avoid disrupting filmed entrances. My wife kept urging me to slow down because I was eating too quickly." They added, "No one contacted us after the broadcast to say they spotted us on television; we were merely background figures, though my wife did encourage one of the primary daters in the bathroom, and that moment made the final cut."
Compensation and Dining Details
Another participant, who joined at the last minute several years ago, revealed they were seated in a separate section where drinks were complimentary. "They stagger the arrivals, so my date was already seated when I arrived," they explained. "We were given some money towards dinner, but back then, the restaurant was quite pricey, so it didn't cover the entire bill."
A third poster, recalling their experience a decade ago, noted, "I was provided £25 to contribute towards the meal, but that only really covered the main course." However, they highlighted a perk: "Before filming, all the female background daters—and I assume the men too—were gathered in a conference room in a separate building, where there were abundant snacks and wine!"
Show Schedule and Viewer Engagement
First Dates made its return last Friday, 10 April, with new episodes airing weekly on Channel 4 at 10pm, including another episode tonight, 17 April. The programme continues to feature optimistic singles entering the restaurant, greeted by a beaming Fred, before meeting their matched partner. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect more intimate glimpses into the lives of those seeking love, both in the foreground and background.
These behind-the-scenes accounts offer a unique perspective on the production, revealing that while the show focuses on romantic pursuits, the background daters play a subtle yet integral role in creating the authentic atmosphere that fans adore.
