Fred Sirieix is launching ‘Teen First Dates’.
The 48-year-old Frenchman will play Cupid for 16-19 year olds in the ‘First Dates’ spin-off series with his restaurant welcoming bisexual, straight, gay and trans teens looking for love.
Channel 4 has decided to try a teen version to compete with ITV2 dating reality show ‘Love Island’.
A source told The Sun’s Bizarre TV column: "While ‘Love Island’ was criticised for casting slim, good-looking singletons, ‘Teen First Dates’ will give everyone the chance to find love – regardless of shape, size and sexuality."
Maitre d’ Fred and his trusty staff will be on hand to guide them through their first dates as the crew are "expecting a lot of nerves" from the youngsters.
The source added: "As the contestants are more inexperienced, crew are keen to be gentle with them and are expecting a lot of nerves, especially as some won’t have been on a date before."
Filming will begin later this year at the new restaurant in Manchester.
Channel 4 confirmed that ‘First Dates’ has been recommissioned for a new 30-episode run, and is moving to a new restaurant site in the North West of England later this year for the upcoming 16th series.
The casting team will be 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."
Fred Sirieix launching Teen First Dates
