A new series of TV matchmaking show First Dates is being filmed in Bath in a move has delighted tourist chiefs.
With maître d’ Fred Sirieix describing it as the UK’s most romantic city, the programme’s relocation will raise Bath’s profile at a time when many of its hospitality businesses are continuing to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
The Bafta-winning series’ move to Bath after previously being filmed in London and Manchester is being masterminded from the Bristol base of production company Twenty Twenty.
It has teamed up with Channel 4, which also has a creative hub in Bristol, to bring the show to the region.
The 10th anniversary season will again feature maître d’ Fred Sirieix, pictured, and his team hosting couples hoping romance will blossom while they eat – this time in Bath’s Botanist bar and restaurant.
Fred Sirieix said: “Making this new series feels special, celebrating a decade of bringing people together on the show, but there’s always more love to be found.
“They say Bath is the most romantic city in the UK and it’s true, so what better place to set the scene for romance to blossom than there!”
Along with the new location, there will also be new cast members and a format refresh, according to Twenty Twenty, whose production team on the series will be based out of the company’s recently launched Bristol hub.
The Bristol office will be the base for the First Dates casting team alongside members of the story and editing teams, as well as two locally based trainees on different schemes.
Channel 4 said the Bafta-winning series’ move to Bath reflected its commitment to expanding out of the capital while supporting its growing number of productions out of Bristol.
Twenty Twenty creative director James O’Reilly added: “We can’t wait for the new First Dates restaurant to open its doors to singletons looking for love in beautiful Bath.
“It’s Britain’s most romantic city and promises to be the perfect backdrop to our 10th Anniversary season – which will also have a new look and some exciting twists to go with our brand-new location.
“As well as being the ideal place for our couples to fall for one another, Bath is right on the doorstep of our home in Bristol, and reflects Twenty Twenty’s commitment to producing programming here in the South West.
“We want to do all we can to nurture talent in the region and help the industry grow on our home turf.”
Twenty Twenty’s previous Bristol productions have included A House Through Time for BBC 2, which featured city-based historian David Olusoga revealing the untold stories of the residents of a single house – from the day of its construction, through the centuries, to the present day.
Channel 4 commissioning editor Rita Daniels said: “After 10 years of love stories, I’m thrilled that First Dates has the stunning and romantic city of Bath as its new location.
“I’m in no doubt that this special place will mesmerize and enthral all our daters which in turn will ensure they have special evening full of romance.”
Channel 4 opened its Bristol base in 2019 following a high-profile campaign to bring it to the city led by its creative industry in partnership with Mayor Marvin Rees and the city council.
The hub at Finzels Reach has since become such an important part of Bristol’s media sector, employing more than 20 people and developing strong links with programme makers in the city.
It has also spearheaded highly acclaimed work on diversity and inclusion in the city, including encouraging young people from different backgrounds into jobs in the creative sector.
In January Channel 4 said it planned to expand the hub following the government’s U-turn over controversial plans to privatise the broadcaster.
