By Matthew Mohan Matthew Mohan-Hickson
First Dates returns for a new season on Channel 4. The hopefuls for episode one have been revealed. But who is in the First Dates team this series.
The doors to the First Dates restaurant are about to be flung open once again. Even more hopefuls will be heading to the famous spot, hoping to find a spark.
Plenty of familiar faces will be on hand to look after the daters in the restaurant this season. Channel 4 has confirmed its on screen team for the latest batch of episodes.
But who are the daters this week – and who is in the First Dates team? Here鈥檚 all you need to know:
Who is on First Dates tonight?
A fresh batch of hopefuls will be heading to the First Dates restaurant looking to find love – or at least a good time. Channel 4 has confirmed the line-up for tonight鈥檚 (July 4) episode.
Stepping off the Bath train station platform and into the restaurant this series is 26-year-old carpenter Conner from Guildford. Self-confessed 鈥榳alking red flag鈥, Conner is hoping to shed the reputation and find someone who truly sees him.
Enter tech consultant Charlie, a self-described geek who turns heads when she walks in. There鈥檚 instant chemistry at the bar – but will revelations about Conner鈥檚 dating past, including a stint as a naked butler, derail their connection before it begins?
Next in is Sophie, a tattoo-loving mum-of-three from Cheshire. She鈥檚 never dated a woman before and is hoping to find someone alternative, authentic and open-minded. Her date, Emily, is a massage therapist with a calming energy and love of individuality.
The two bond quickly鈥攂ut there鈥檚 a twist. Sophie is married, and her husband Ricki is sitting at the bar. Sophie wants to know if Emily might be open to something a little more unconventional. Is this the start of a modern love story鈥攐r a step too far?
Then comes Derek, 89, who brings old-school charm and a twinkle in his eye. A seasoned cruiser and firm believer in romance, Derek meets June, a fellow music lover in search of someone who remembers the days before dating apps.
As Fred joins them in an impromptu sing-along, the two begin to believe that it鈥檚 never too late for a little love.
Finally, single dad Mike arrives with nerves and a sense of humour honed by grief. He鈥檚 not just looking for a partner鈥攈e鈥檚 looking for someone who understands what he鈥檚 been through.
Hairdresser Carly has warmth, wit, and a love of cooking. As the pair connect, Mike reveals he lost his wife just under a year ago. Could Carly be the breath of fresh air he needs鈥攐r will the past prove too heavy to move on from.
First Dates confirms staff for series 24
Fred Sirieix is back as Ma卯tre d鈥 once again for a brand new series of the beloved Channel 4 show. But who are the other on screen staff?
Fred SirieixCici Coleman Merlin Griffiths Gerald Richards (new waiter) Kyle Evans (new waiter) Aoife Smyth Jams McCleeve
One of the new faces for the season is Gerald who is 鈥渆xcited鈥 to join the team. He said: 鈥淚 have watched the show since I moved to the UK seven years ago and it鈥檚 an honour to now be part of the series and working with Fred, Merlin, Cici and the team.鈥
Gerald added: 鈥淚 am definitely excited to see the dates I served and to see how things developed when I wasn鈥檛 at the table. There was an absolutely gorgeous young couple, I think the first I served, who were so lovely and seemed to hit it off really well.
鈥淭hey both said to me, they thought the other was fabulous, so hopefully that works out. I also like to see how the older daters have done, those who are taking another chance at love and hoping for the best.鈥
The other new face on the First Dates team in series 24 is Kyle, who is also a waiter. Speaking about the show, he said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been incredibly intense and severely rewarding. The team are very supportive. A bit like a family.鈥
He continued: 鈥淚鈥檓 super excited for most of the dates I waited, if I鈥檓 honest, they all went super well and I鈥檝e waited on some absolutely fabulous people.
鈥淚鈥檓 probably most excited for the gentleman that wrote a poem for his date, and to see the Welsh lady who you鈥檒l watch me serve in an upcoming episode.鈥
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