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Channel 4's 'First Dates' Is Officially Moving To Manchester

Lauren Bell

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Channel 4's 'First Dates' Is Officially Moving To Manchester

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Channel 4 has just announced much-loved TV show First Dates will be leaving London later this year.

The series will no longer be housed in the Paternoster Chop House in St Paul's, because it is making its way north, to Manchester.

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When series 16 begins filming later this year it will do so in a brand new restaurant, although the exact location is still under wraps.

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The reason behind it is to expand out of London and tap into talent in different regions - which makes us think the show will make another move in coming years.

But if the news has left you feeling nostalgic over the London restaurant, then rest assured you will see it one last time, as the upcoming series set to land in the coming months, was filmed at Paternoster Chop House.

Whilst Channel 4 has confirmed to Tyla that Maître d' Fred Sirieix will definitely be returning despite the move (phew), it has not yet confirmed whether barman Merlin Griffiths will also make the move to film in Manchester, so we're crossing everything.

Fred is set to return when the show is moved to Manchester (Credit: Channel 4)
Fred is set to return when the show is moved to Manchester (Credit: Channel 4)
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We cannot imagine First Dates without Merlin's soothing dulcet tones and pep talks - it's the people that make First Dates such a much-loved show, so we hope to see him join Fred for series 16.

If he is to follow, then we'd have many more of those talks to listen to, as 30 more episodes have been commissioned.

Personally, we're hoping to see more of spin off series First Dates Hotel too this year - we love the abroad version.

It brings fresh drama with participants meeting other guests in the lead up to their official dates - who sometimes end up finding the one in their own non-scheduled fashion.

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We hope to see more 'First Dates Hotel' in 2020, the show's spin-off which sees daters check in to a hotel abroad (Credit: Channel 4)
We hope to see more 'First Dates Hotel' in 2020, the show's spin-off which sees daters check in to a hotel abroad (Credit: Channel 4)

Throw in sun, a pool, a pretty hotel as well as Fred and the gang and you've got a winning combination.

While we envisage little sun up in Manchester for the original version, we're looking forward to a fresh new spin on the show.

Madonna Benjamin, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4, added: "We can't wait to work with Twenty Twenty to continue building on the success of First Dates.

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"The new restaurant location and regional production base provide exciting opportunities for the series."

Topics: TV and Film, TV Entertainment, first dates, Channel 4

Lauren Bell
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