Fred Sirieix confirms new series of First Dates will resume this week
The show was taken off air last week
Fans of hit reality show First Dates were thrilled earlier this month when the popular show returned for its 21st series, filmed at a brand new restaurant in Bath with host and restaurateur Fred Sirieix.
However, after the second episode from series 21 was replaced with a repeat on Tuesday 9th January, Channel 4 bosses went on to REMOVE all trace of the new series from its streaming platform.
Fast-forward a week and host Fred Sirieix has confirmed episode three will be back on our TV screens tonight (Tuesday 16th January), airing in the usual 10pm slot on Channel 4. The first two episodes have also been put back on Channel 4's streaming service.
Sharing a photo on Instagram, Fred told his followers: 'One more sleep before your next dose of #FirstDates Tuesday 16th January 10pm on Channel 4 @firstdates @channel4'. (sic)
When a fan asked what the issue was, bar man Merlin Griffiths was quick to reply, saying: 'Apparently a technical issue. All sorted now'.
It comes after fans were left angry last Tuesday night, after tuning in to see the new episode and instead being greeted with a repeat.
One wrote: 'WTF! So there's no showing of the 2nd episode in the new series. Was looking forward to it all night. Thanks', with another adding: '#FirstDates What? The new series is an old repeat?'. (sic)
A third asked: 'The second episode was on All 4 ……and that too was removed tonight …. I wonder if something occurred with the daters?'. (sic)
With a fourth writing: 'Why do we want to see a repeat, thought Channel 4 was cancelling shows to make new ones!'. (sic)
After seeing the complaints, Fred himself was quick to share an update, writing on X: 'No idea what happened tonight with #FirstDates episode and when it will be aired. Clearly a glitch somewhere. Sorry 🙏🏻 As soon as I hear I will let you know'. (sic)
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To celebrate the show's 10th anniversary, the brand new series, which launched on 2nd January, has moved to a new location in the heart of Bath.
During the opening episode, viewers witnessed a number of singletons looking for love, including The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lauren Simon, who revealed she often goes for 'younger men'.
First Dates will return to Channel 4 at 10pm on Tuesday 16th January.
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