‘First Dates’ is moving to Manchester.
Channel 4 has confirmed the popular reality show – which is narrated by Brian Protheroe and stars Fred Sirieix as the Maître d’ – has been recommissioned for a new 30-episode run, and it’s moving to a new restaurant site in the north west of England later this year for the upcoming 16th series.
The network will also see its casting team based in Bristol alongside the story editing team and members of the post-production team.
Managing Director and head of studio 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."
And Danny Horan, Channel 4’s Head of Factual, added: "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."
The move will also see Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty team up to co-fund a new training sceheme for 24 Bristol-based production staff.
The programme would see them trained up to work on the show itself, in areas including research, editing, casting and directing.
Madonna Benjamin, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, 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."
First Dates restaurant moving to Manchester
