For many people, we all know him because the charming maitre d’ on Channel 4’s First Dates.
However now the esteemed TV character will probably be returning to our screens taking up a really totally different function, as presenter of the BBC’s Olympics protection.
In an surprising improvement, the BBC have introduced that Fred Sirieix will probably be becoming a member of the line-up of presenters for the channel’s protection of the Video games in Paris this summer time.
The stint – which is not like any function he has taken on earlier than – is his greatest job but, and provides onto an already exceptional success story from starting as a chef in France, to filming a highway journey present with Gordon Ramsay and starring in ITV’s I am a Celeb.
However whereas the change from the culinary world to the sporting enviornment might comes as a shock to some, specialists say they noticed it coming.
As publicist Mark Borkowski surmised to MailOnline, ‘Fred’s acquired that uncommon mix of heat and professionalism.
Fred Sirieix will probably be becoming a member of a line-up of presenters who will probably be heading the BBC’s Olympics protection this summer time
The TV character is finest identified for being the charming maitre d’ on Channel 4’s First Dates
‘Viewers love him as a result of he feels real – he isn’t only a speaking head; he is somebody who looks as if he’d really keep in mind your identify and favorite wine.’
The French chef and presenter shortly grew to become a fan-favourite when he made his debut on courting present First Dates in 2013.
Viewers instantly took a likening to him together with his welcoming smile and provides of romantic recommendation to lovebirds showing on the present – and greater than 10 years later his reputation on the programme has not waned.
Outdoors of his life in The Botanist in Tub, the place the sequence is now filmed, the 52-year-old received over viewer’s hearts when he paired with Gordon Ramsay and Italian chef Gino D’Acampo to star in Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Highway Journey.
However born and introduced up in a close-knit household in Limoges, France, changing into a TV star shouldn’t be what Sirieix at all times had his sights set on.
The younger Frenchman did nonetheless, at all times have a ardour for meals and hospitality, and it was this drive that noticed him rise by way of the ranks from his life within the culinary world to at least one in TV.
Main PR guru Mr Borkowski added the maitre d’ had qualities that made viewers take to him.
He stated: ‘Ah, Fred Sirieix – who would’ve thought {that a} charming maître d’ from “First Dates” would glide into the hallowed halls of BBC’s Olympics protection?
‘It is the sort of profession trajectory that offers hope to each actuality TV character with a smidgen of charisma and a dab hand at dealing with awkward moments.
Pictured within the center, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, the TV character’s daughter who’s a part of Group GB’s diving group within the Olympics
Sirieix alongside Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo for Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Nice Christmas Roast
Life: Born and introduced up in a close-knit household in Limoges, central France. He now lives in Peckham, London (pictured in August)
‘Fred’s success boils down to some key elements. Authenticity is vital.
‘Second, he is an absolute wizard at making folks really feel snug. Watching Fred navigate the awkward, generally cringeworthy moments on “First Dates” is nice TV.
‘Lastly, the BBC are at all times attempting to find secure, polished and personable presenters. He brings a contact of French and even continental aptitude with out vanity, making him good match for a worldwide occasion just like the Olympics.
‘Fred’s ascension is a traditional story of savvy profession administration and pure expertise. He isn’t simply using the wave of actuality TV fame.
‘If there is a lesson right here, it is that authenticity, mixed with a eager understanding of 1’s personal strengths, can propel anybody with a terrific group and a social media presence.
‘Oh, and being a pleasant man helps.’
The son of healthcare employees, Sirieix has beforehand advised of how his father, a nurse, was his function mannequin and had impressed him to work within the service business.
Starting to coach as a chef at a catering school in close by Souillac, in southwest France, he apprehensive it’d ‘kill his soul’ and determined he would favor to front-of-house roles.
Sirieix accepting the Meals award for ‘Gordon, Gino and Fred: Viva Espana!’ at The TRIC Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor Home Resort
Nigel Farage and Sirieix each took half in I am a Movie star Get Me Out of Right here final 12 months
Having at all times taken a liking to life within the UK, the younger man packed his luggage and set off to London in 1992 on the ripe age of 20.
He began off his profession as a Chef de Rang on the three-Michelin starred restaurant La Tante Claire, which has since closed down. He then labored his magic at Le Gavroche, Sartoria and Brasserie Roux.
However it was on the Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Home windows, on the twenty eighth flooring of the Hilton on Park Lane, the place he discovered a house as the overall supervisor and remained for 14 years till 2019.
His life in TV life took off without warning, from changing into the pleasant face related to First Dates, to highway tripping with culinary greats Gordon and Gino.
Final 12 months, Sirieix discovered additional fame on ITV’s I am a Movie star Get Me Out of Right here when he hit out at Nigel Farage, saying the Reform chief was ‘not desirous about making the world a greater place’.
Moreover his TV success, the charismatic maitre d’ has not solely executed nicely for himself, however given again to children by way of a spread of charity initiatives.
In 2017, Sirieix helped launch The Proper Course, a charity mission the place offenders are put in command of cooking and serving at jails, resulting in a diploma on the finish.
The initiative, which was kickstarted with the goal of serving to offenders discover work after their sentences, has confirmed largely profitable.
Based on the web site, 74 per cent of those that signed as much as it achieved at the very least one qualification in 2023, and 93 per cent of those that are in touch post-release have secured employment.
Fred with the 2 cooks Gordon and Gino of their ‘Go Greek’ episode
Sirieix, Gordon and Gino within the Fiesta Eternally episode of their highway journey sequence
Love: Fred revealed on I am a Celeb that he is planning to tie the knot together with his fiancée Fruitcake in 2024, after being pressured to cancel their nuptials as a result of Covid pandemic
He additionally has a love for all issues spirits, making a cocktail competitors known as the Galvin Cup which awards younger bartenders for his or her abilities.
Alongside, Sirieix heads Galvin’s Likelihood, a charity geared toward supporting underprivileged younger folks in front-of-house roles in London and Scotland’s main resorts, eating places and bars.
The 52-year-old shouldn’t be the one one in his household who will probably be doing one thing Olympics-related this summer time.
His daughter, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, is a British skilled diver who grew to become a World Junior in 2022 and has received a number of European and Commonwealth medals.
She will probably be heading to her second Olympics to symbolize Group GB’s diving group.
Sirieix additionally has one other little one, Lucien, each from a earlier relationship.
He’s at the moment engaged to fiancée Fruitcake, who he plans to marry in Jamaica later this 12 months.
Within the thrilling new function, Sirieix will probably be becoming a member of Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, Hazel Irvine, Isa Guha, Jeanette Kwakye, JJ Chalmers, and Mark Chapman to current the Olympics.
Particular visitors may also embody celebrated feminine Olympian, Laura Kenny, British lengthy jumper Jazmin Sawyers, Olympic gold medallist Moe Sbihi, and Olympic bronze medallist Vicky Hollan.
