Fred Sirieix has spoken out after the new series of First Dates was unexpectedly pulled from TV, leaving viewers baffled as they tuned in to a repeat.
The new season of the popular reality series sees maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team return to help a bunch of singletons find love – this time in a brand new location in Bath.
Merlin’s back behind the bar to mix up some pre-dinner bevs for contestants, while waitress Cici returns to help ease the nerves with some tableside conversation.
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However, after just one episode, the latest season hit a stumbling block when the second instalment was pulled from TV.
According to the Radio Times, the episode that aired instead was a repeat from season nine, with diners including science technician Ian, shy nursery nurse Stacie and glam 22-year-old dental nurse Cece.
One person fumed: “WTF! So there's no showing of the 2nd episode in the new series. Was looking forward to it all night. Thanks."
Someone else said: "When you wait all day for a new First Dates episode in the new restaurant and it's canceled seconds before 10pm. Why do we want to see a repeat, thought Channel 4 was canceling shows to make new ones!"
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A third wrote: "Why is tonight's episode a repeat of an old one (in London)? Where is episode 2 of the new series in Bath???? Fred was even promoting it on @lorraine @reallorraine."
Indeed, lead star Fred Sirieix had teased the new episode just hours earlier, tweeting: "Mums know best… or do they? Tune in to tonight’s new episode of First Dates on @Channel4. You don’t want to miss it!"
But it seems even he was left baffled by the decision, posting a message to fans to say he had 'no idea' what was going on.
"No idea what happened tonight with #FirstDates episode and when it will be aired," he wrote.
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"Clearly a glitch somewhere. Sorry. As soon as I hear I will let you know.”
When someone pointed out the episode was available on demand, another social media user replied: “Not there now.”
One other said: “Not your fault, it said differently in my TV page too! Oh well.”
Channel 4 later confirmed that the episode had been pulled due to ‘editorial reasons’, but that the new series would be back on screens as normal from next week.
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The channel told Tyla in a statement: “Episodes were removed for editorial reasons and the new series will resume next Tuesday at 10pm.”
Featured Image Credit: Channel 4Topics: TV And Film, First Dates, Channel 4