Latest news with #FirstDates'
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC The Traitors star signs up to First Dates after suffering 'difficult' romantic past
The Traitors series two star Ash Bibi is returning to TV one year on from her stint on the BBC competition - but this time, she's looking for love as she heads on First Dates The Traitors star Ash Bibi is swapping castle roundtables for restaurant rendezvous as she heads on Channel 4 's First Dates after almost four years away from the dating world. The 47-year-old, who rose to fame on The Traitors last year, goes on her first-ever blind date on the Channel 4 show tonight after struggling to meet the right person in the past. "I think I went on a date in 2022 - it's been at least three years. It's been nice getting back in the saddle because it's hard," she told The Mirror in an exclusive interview. "It's really difficult meeting people. Well, it's actually easy meeting people for me because I can talk to anybody - but in terms of what we want and what we need, it's harder to meet somebody in that sense." It comes after The Traitors' Leanne Quigley revealed she would marry her fiancée today but is waiting for sad reason. Ash, who hasn't married before, revealed that her dating dry period came about after becoming uninterested in online dating and struggling with the perimenopause. "I was online dating before online dating was a thing," she said. "I did that for a really long time - I started in the mid-2000s and it has just really changed a lot. The longer you're single, you get into your head. You're like, 'Can I be bothered to put up with this? I need a different quality here'. "Also, I'm at that stage where I'm going through perimenopause and this is just something I came to a realisation with recently. Your body is changing as a woman when you're my age and I'm like, 'Does this play a part subconsciously in how I feel comfortable out dating?' It's a combination of so many different things." Ash added that her ethos throughout her dating life has been not to waste time in relationships with people who "are not right" for her. "I've had relationships over the years, I've been in love. As women, we feel this societal and media pressure to be like when you're in your late 20s and early 30s, 'you need to get married, you need to have kids,'" she said. "I was going through that and I do wonder to myself, 'Did I let a couple get away?' But I got older, I just thought, 'I actually don't want that. Why am I pursuing something that I don't actually want?'" Instead, Ash turned to First Dates' maître d'hôtel Fred Sirieix to find her perfect match. "My approach to First Dates was, 'I just want to have an open mind.' I wanted to be open to whoever was presented to me," she said. While fans will need to tune in tonight to find out what happens, Ash admits that it was nowhere near as stressful as her time on The Traitors. "There's nothing like that roundtable. I wouldn't say First Dates is scary," she said. "I was really, really nervous because I've never been on a blind date ever in my life but they make you feel so welcome and it's such a beautiful atmosphere. The staff are amazing." Ash took part in series two of The Traitors, being chosen as one of the original Traitors - however, she left the competition in episode five after being banished by her fellow co-stars. With Celebrity Traitors set to air later this year, Ash has some advice for the stars taking part. "I think this advice would be for anybody at any time - whether they're going on Traitors or going on a first date. You have to just try and relax and be yourself. That's it. Whatever the universe has in store for you, the universe has in store." She added: "Don't ask me to pick a favourite because there's so many people on that line-up that I am absolutely obsessed with, but I do want Alan Carr to do well. Fingers crossed, Alan!"
RTÉ News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for French state banquet
Mick Jagger and Elton John topped the star-studded guest list for the French state banquet hosted by Britain's King Charles at Windsor Castle. The Rolling Stones' front man was joined by his fiancée Melanie Hamrick, while John was accompanied by his husband David Furnish for the opulent royal celebration. John, who is known for hosting his own annual white-tie and tiara charity ball, was among the 160 guests who gathered at King Charles's royal white-tie affair in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. John famously sang Candle In The Wind, rewritten as Goodbye England's Rose, at the funeral of King Charles's first wife Diana, Princess of Wales, and he has a close bond with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex – Charles's youngest son with whom he has a troubled relationship. Other notable invitees who turned out for the banquet with King Charles, his wife Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales were actress Kristin Scott Thomas, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, authors Joanne Harris and Sebastian Faulks, sculptor Antony Gormley and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer. King Charles was seated between Mr Macron and French culture minister Rachida Dati, while Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales – attending her first state banquet in nearly two years – was on the other side of the French president and also next to art historian Christophe Leribault, chairman of the Musee D'Orsay. Queen Camilla was on the other side of the table, between Mrs Macron and French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu. On the other side of first lady Brigitte was Britain's heir to the throne Prince William. Jagger was seated between Scott Thomas and Alice Rufo, director general for international relations and strategy of the French ministry for the armed forces. John, who has severe vision issues after contracting an eye infection, was seated next to his husband, rather than apart which is usually the custom for couples at royal banquets. Also making an appearance was First Dates' Fred Sirieix, as well as the French singer Mika.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Elton John, Mick Jagger and First Dates star join royals for French state dinner
The King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and Kate hosted the dinner for French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, with a host of stars in attendance Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John were the top names on the guest list for the French state banquet held by the King at Windsor Castle. The Rolling Stones' lead singer was accompanied by his fiancée Melanie Hamrick, while the Crocodile Rock crooner Sir Elton was joined by his husband David Furnish for the lavish Royal festivity. Sir Elton, renowned for hosting his own annual white-tie and tiara charity ball, was among the 160 guests who congregated at the King's Royal white-tie event in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. Both musicians have residences in France and Sir Elton also owns a home in nearby Old Windsor. Sir Elton is famously known for performing Candle In The Wind, reworded as Goodbye England's Rose, at the funeral of the King's first wife Diana, Princess of Wales, and he shares a close bond with the Duke of Sussex – Charles's youngest son with whom the King has a strained relationship. Other distinguished attendees who graced the sparkling banquet with Charles, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales included actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, authors Joanne Harris and Sebastian Faulks, sculptor Sir Antony Gormley and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer. At the regal banquet, King Charles found himself between President Macron and French culture minister Rachida Dati, while Princess Kate graced her first state dinner in almost two years beside the French leader and art historian Christophe Leribault of the Musee D'Orsay. Queen Consort Camilla was spotted across the table, flanked by Mrs Macron and French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu. Adjacent to First Lady Brigitte Macron was the Prince of Wales, William. Rock legend Sir Mick Jagger, identified at his setting by the formal white place card "Sir Michael Jagger", enjoyed the company of Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Alice Rufo, a top official from the French ministry for the armed forces. Vision-impaired Sir Elton John broke tradition, sitting next to his husband instead of being separated as is customary at such events, with the Duchess of Gloucester on his other side. The iconic singer has been suffering with severe vision issues after contracting an eye infection. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer found himself alongside football star Mary Earps. Adding a touch of television charm, 'First Dates' maître d' Fred Sirieix attended, and French pop sensation Mika was seated by the Duchess of Edinburgh. Before the event, William and Kate gave a sneak peek of their outfits by posting a photo of themselves on social media with the caption: "Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor." Kate also wore her Royal Family order from King Charles for the first time and brought a lily of the valley embroided evening clutch. She was seated next to President Macron and the pair chatted ahead of the start of the King's toast, while on her other side was art historian Christophe Leribault, chairman of the Musee D'Orsay. Kate studied history of art at university. Other royals joining the dinner tonight were Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as well as Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Queen Camilla wore an ivory silk and crepe evening gown by Fiona Clare and a diamond and sapphire tiara that belonged to the late Queen. She also wore the Legion d'Honeur French sash, Garter Star and the King's family order. The menu, which was created by French chef Raymond Blanc, began with a selection of tender summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing. The next course was Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert. Buckingham Palace described the collaboration as being "in the spirit of the Entente Cordial". In a tradition started by the King, a cocktail was also created specially for the occasion, this time called L'entente. It combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
First Dates' Fred Sirieix's defiant 5-word response to 'complaint' about wife Fruitcake
First Dates' Fred Sirieix's defiant 5-word response to 'complaint' about wife Fruitcake Speaking about his life in a recent interview, a "warm and honest" Fred Sirieix gave a defiant response when it came to a specific "complaint" about his wife, Fruitcake Fred Sirieix has been in a relationship with Fruitcake since 2018 (Image:for Moss Bros ) Fred Sirieix has given a defiant five-word comment in response to a "complaint" about his wife, saying "nobody needs to know". In a candid chat, the maître d' from First Dates divulged personal details to journalist Michael Odell, touching on his family, past relationships, and his current spouse. After separating from his previous partner, Alex Spendolini (mother to his children), in 2016, Fred found love again with the woman he affectionately calls "Fruitcake." The couple exchanged vows in the idyllic setting of Negril, Jamaica, in February. Since 2018, Fred has been romantically involved with Fruitcake (whose actual name remains private), culminating in a grand wedding celebration at Pattoo Castle. His children played roles in the festivities; Lucien served as best man while Olympic diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix performed a reading. When quizzed in the recent interview about the impact of marriage on his life, Fred extolled its virtues. Fruitcake's real name hasn't been publicly revealed (Image: Getty Images ) Speaking to the Times , he expressed: "It's brilliant. We've been together almost nine years but it's about trust and commitment. It has elevated the relationship. You put a ring on the finger and it says: this is serious; I'm not going anywhere. We are on this journey together for life." Article continues below Despite Michael commending Fred's open and sincere manner during their conversation, he did voice one "complaint", questioning the continued use of the moniker Fruitcake for his wife. Despite Michael finding it "confusing", Fred stood firm, stating: "No. She has a job. Nobody needs to know who she is. It interferes with her life." Fred, who graced the jungle in I'm A Celebrity after his success on Channel 4's First Dates, often shares endearing snippets from their holidays and dates, as reported by the Standard. True to form, on his and Fruitcake's special day, Fred posted an Instagram photo of the elated pair with the caption "18.02.2025". In the photo, Fred is pictured sporting a white tuxedo jacket. Meanwhile, Fruitcake dazzles in a white dress and veil. In the comments, she says: "Best day of my life!!!!!" Fred was resolute in his response to the "complaint" (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA ) Speaking previously to OK!, Fred admitted that he's a "hopeless romantic" at heart, adding that "you reap what you sow" when it comes to relationships. The 'My Million Pound Menu' star explained that with more effort made, the "better it becomes", describing how it's all about "nurturing love". Fred also shared one of his most memorable romantic acts, acknowledging he's made many over the years, but one particular gesture involved "whisking Fruitcake off." He reminisced: "I'm a big fan of romantic gestures; I've made plenty over the years. Perhaps one of my best or favourite ones was whisking Fruitcake off to Monte Carlo to show her the places where I worked as a young professional. It was magical to relive those moments together as a team!" Article continues below You can next catch Fred on First Dates on Channel 4 tonight (Friday, July 4), from 10pm to 11.05pm.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
First Dates' Laura Tott reveals she's pregnant with second baby saying ‘life is about to get crazier'
BIG DATE! First Dates' Laura Tott reveals she's pregnant with second baby saying 'life is about to get crazier' FIRST Dates star Laura Tott has revealed she is pregnant with her second baby. The TV waitress turned paramedic shared her happy news with fans in a post on Instagram last night. 7 Laura Tott worked on the hit Channel 4 show Credit: Channel 4 7 Her son Leo held her baby scan in a sweet announcement Credit: lauratott_/instagram 7 The star posted a close up shot of her baby scan Credit: lauratott_/instagram Her video included a sweet picture of her son Leo holding her baby scan. Laura, 30, captioned her post: "Life is about to get a little crazier — Baby Clarke Number 2 is due December 2025, and we can't wait!" First Dates host Fred Siriex was among the first to comment, sharing an emoji with love heart eyes. Another follower told her: "Ooh that's defo a girl. Looks just like my scan pic with my first! Congrats x" One more said: "Defo a girl looking at that nub!" Laura gave birth to Leo in August 2023, one year after marrying her husband. She announced she was engaged in June 2021 after her boyfriend popped the question on holiday. The star has kept her husband's name a secret on social media, but shared photos of their wedding day and the day they became parents. She served tables and was a barmaid for years before doing so in front of the camera. Laura is best known for working as a waitress on Channel 4's hit show First Dates. First Dates' Laura Tott gives birth to first baby and reveals son's sweet name The blonde beauty was also briefly a member of the Royal Navy with HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, and travelled the world extensively before signing up for First Dates. Having decided she did not want to go to university she describes herself as a "graduate of the University of Life", previously studying at Strode's College, in Egham, Surrey. The First Dates star quit fame to beome a paramedic. She completed her training to become a fully registered paramedic completing her first shift in August 2019 alongside her role on Channel 4's reality show. Laura married her partner in a lavish ceremony in Devon. The couple live in a beautiful home with classy flooring and fresh white walls. 7 She worked alongside Fred Sirieix Credit: Channel 4 7 Laura with her husband, who she has not named on social media 7 Laura got engaged in 2021 Credit: Instagram / Laura Tott
