Channel 4 unveils location of new First Dates restaurant
The programme is moving up north after 15 series.
Channel 4’s First Dates is moving to a new restaurant in Manchester.
The popular dating show, hosted by French maitre d’ Fred Sirieix, has been filmed at the Paternoster Chop House in central London for 15 series.
It has been recommissioned for a run of 30 episodes at the new unnamed venue, with filming due to start later this year.
The move comes as part of production company Twenty Twenty’s commitment to the regions.
The show’s casting team will be based in Bristol, as well as the story editing team and members of the post-production team.
Managing director and head of Twenty Twenty Leanne Klein said: “We are very excited to be taking our flagship dating series to the regions.
“We have already begun tapping into the fantastic local talent pool in Bristol from where we are putting together our new team of casters and date editors.
“And with the move of the First Dates restaurant, we will have the chance to expose our daters to a brand new experience with a few exciting new tweaks to the much-loved format.”
Head of factual at Channel 4 Danny Horan said: “This move is so great for Channel 4 Bristol and Manchester. We are thrilled to be investing in new diverse talent with Twenty Twenty.
“This is just one part of factual’s commitment to expand out of London at scale.”
Channel 4 commissioning editor Madonna Benjamin said: “We can’t wait to work with Twenty Twenty to continue building on the success of First Dates.
“The new restaurant location and regional production base provide exciting opportunities for the series.”
Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty are also co-funding a training scheme for up to 24 Bristol-based production staff to work on the show in areas including casting, research, editing and directing.
First Dates has spawned spin-offs including First Dates Hotel and Celebrity First Dates.
