In First Dates, Fred Sirieix is the maître d’, Merlin Griffiths is the bartender, and Cici Coleman is the maître d’ (later series). The show follows singletons on blind dates at the Paternoster Chop House.
Main cast
- Himself – Maître d’Fred Sirieix1–Main
- Himself – BartenderMerlin Griffiths1–Main
- Herself – Maître d’Cici Coleman14–Main
Supporting cast
- Herself – WaitressLaura Tott1–Supp
- Himself – ChefMatt Ryle1–Supp
- Herself – WaitressKatie Bulmer-Cooke1–Supp
- Himself – SommelierPietro Collu1–Supp
- Herself – WaitressRebecca Humphreys1–Supp
Guest & voice
- Himself – GuestTommy Tiernan1Guest
- Herself – GuestMegan Barton Hanson12Guest
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About this cast
First Dates is a British reality dating series on Channel 4, first aired in 2013. It features real people meeting for blind dates at a restaurant, with the maître d’ Fred Sirieix and bartender Merlin Griffiths as key figures. The show has run for 24 seasons, with Cici Coleman joining as a maître d’ in later series.
FAQs
Who plays Fred Sirieix in First Dates?
Fred Sirieix plays himself as the maître d’ in First Dates.
Who plays Merlin Griffiths in First Dates?
Merlin Griffiths plays himself as the bartender in First Dates.
Who plays Cici Coleman in First Dates?
Cici Coleman plays herself as a maître d’ in later series of First Dates.
Is First Dates scripted?
No, First Dates is a reality show featuring real people on blind dates, though some scenes may be edited for narrative flow.
Where is First Dates filmed?
The show is filmed at the Paternoster Chop House in London, near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026