Popular Channel 4 dating program First Dates is on the move, with the new seasons to be filmed in Bath.
Filming for the new series of the BAFTA award-winning First Dates, which this year marks 10 years on UK TV screens, will take place in summer 2023 at The Botanist bar & restaurant in Bath.
The show has previously been filmed at restaurant locations in London and Manchester since it first aired back in 2013.
Returning for a brand-new series after 10 years of matchmaking on screen, maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team of cupids will be hoping sparks fly between a new line-up of blind daters.
We are ready. Let’s go ❤️ @MerlinFDC4 pic.twitter.com/EaRFfzNeTZ
— Fred Sirieix (@fredsirieix1) July 9, 2023
Channel 4's First Dates moving to Bath
Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty Productions revealed today, Bath will be the new filming location for the famous First Dates restaurant.
Recently voted the UK’s most romantic city and holding the top spot on polls as the UK’s most beautiful city, Bath is famed for its charming period architecture, the historical Roman baths, as well as its connection to celebrated author Jane Austen.
The Botanist restaurant site is inside the Grade II listed Octagon Chapel, built in 1766 and known to have been visited by Austen.
The new location won’t be all that’s changing about the series.
Along with a striking new restaurant home, the tenth anniversary season will launch brand-new cast members, a format refresh, and "some of the most unforgettable dating moments the show has ever featured".
First Dates Maître d’ 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 its true, so what better place to set the scene for romance to blossom than there!”
While Creative Director at Twenty Twenty, 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."
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 brand 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.”
How to sign up for the new series of First Dates in 2023?
Applications are open for the new series of First Dates.
So if you are single and looking for love, you could be one of the first singletons to try out the new First Dates restaurant in Bath.
To apply, visit the Twenty Twenty website.
About the dating experience, the website says: "Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the world's most-romantic restaurant is opening its doors to welcome people on a very special blind date.
"Each couple is meticulously matched based on their likes and dislikes and if Cupid strikes, this could be the night that changes their lives forever."
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