Fred Sirieix has spoken out after the new series of First Dates was unexpectedly pulled from TV, leaving viewers baffled as they tuned in to a repeat.
The new season of the popular reality series sees maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team return to help a bunch of singletons find love – this time in a brand new location in Bath.
Merlin’s back behind the bar to mix up some pre-dinner bevs for contestants, while waitress Cici returns to help ease the nerves with some tableside conversation.
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However, after just one episode, the latest season hit a stumbling block when the second instalment was pulled from TV.
According to the Radio Times, the episode that aired instead was a repeat from season nine, with diners including science technician Ian, shy nursery nurse Stacie and glam 22-year-old dental nurse Cece.
One person fumed: “WTF! So there's no showing of the 2nd episode in the new series. Was looking forward to it all night. Thanks."
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Someone else said: "When you wait all day for a new First Dates episode in the new restaurant and it's canceled seconds before 10pm. Why do we want to see a repeat, thought Channel 4 was canceling shows to make new ones!"
A third wrote: "Why is tonight's episode a repeat of an old one (in London)? Where is episode 2 of the new series in Bath???? Fred was even promoting it on @lorraine @reallorraine."
Indeed, lead star Fred Sirieix had teased the new episode just hours earlier, tweeting: "Mums know best… or do they? Tune in to tonight’s new episode of First Dates on @Channel4. You don’t want to miss it!"
But it seems even he was left baffled by the decision, posting a message to fans to say he had 'no idea' what was going on.
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"No idea what happened tonight with #FirstDates episode and when it will be aired," he wrote.
"Clearly a glitch somewhere. Sorry. As soon as I hear I will let you know.”
When someone pointed out the episode was available on demand, another social media user replied: “Not there now.”
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One other said: “Not your fault, it said differently in my TV page too! Oh well.”
Channel 4 later confirmed that the episode had been pulled due to ‘editorial reasons’, but that the new series would be back on screens as normal from next week.
The channel told Tyla in a statement: “Episodes were removed for editorial reasons and the new series will resume next Tuesday at 10pm.”
Topics: TV And Film, First Dates, Channel 4
Jess Hardiman