First Dates relocates to Manchester

Fred from First Dates C4’s reality series First Dates will relocate to Manchester to film a new run of 30 episodes – the sixteenth series – later this year. 

The BAFTA-winning show is from Twenty Twenty Television and has been running for seven years, spawning a spin-off, First Dates Hotel, along the way. More than 20 territories worldwide have launched local versions of the series. 

The move reflects the current drive for production to be focused on the regions and nations; the First Dates casting team, story editing team and some of the post-production team will be based in Bristol, where Channel 4 recently opened its new hub. 

Channel 4 and Twenty Twenty are also funding a scheme in which 24 Bristol-based production staff will be trained to work on the show in deparments including casting, researching, editing and directing. 

Danny Horan, head of factual, Channel 4, said: “This move is so great for Channel 4 Bristol and Manchester. We are thrilled to be investing in new diverse talent with Twenty Twenty. This is just one part of factual’s commitment to expand out of London at scale.”

Jon Crisp executive produces for Twenty Twenty; the exact Manchester restaurant venue will be revealed at a later date. 

 



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