First Dates is returning for a new series filmed in Manchester this autumn, but how exactly are they managing to pull it off in the middle of a local lockdown?
Some new insider information has given us an insight into how it’s going down.
Filming for the new series of the hit Channel 4 dating show – which first arrived on TV screens in the UK back in 2013 – had already begun at Spinningfields restaurant The Refinery in March, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic understandably brought production to a halt.
The show’s star host and Maître D, Fred Sirieix, has confirmed via social media this week though that filming is now back underway.
Writing in a post shared to Instagram, Fred said: “So happy and excited to let you know that after 6 months of forced closure due to COVID-19, we have finally re-opened the First Dates restaurant.
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“We are back in business and more determined than ever to make love happen.”
First Dates’ simple format sees singletons matched up for a blind dinner date and there’s already an impressive success rate having led to several engagements, marriages and even a baby, but for a show that’s centred around finding love, how will this work under local lockdown restrictions?
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It was previously believed that this series of First Dates was probably going to be a different show than the one we are used to.
With a number of necessary social distancing measures having to be put in place, it was thought that couples participating in the show would be prevented from exchanging in any form of physical contact – including hugging and kissing – but now, an insider source has revealed to the Manchester Evening News that this might not necessarily be the case.
First Dates / Channel 4
The source said that because the restaurant is now a TV set, it does not operate under the same rules.
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They stated that the filming crew is sticking to strict COVID-19 guidelines that govern closed sets – such as regular testing of themselves and contributors – but confirmed that, once on the closed set, daters can “interact as normal”, without the need for social distancing, so this means that a smooch could be on the cards after all.
The spokesperson said: “First Dates’ restaurant location is a closed TV set that is not open to the general public.
“The production is abiding by strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, and all contributors will be taking a COVID-19 test in advance of filming and only allowed to film if their result is negative.”
The Manc has reached out to Channel 4 for follow-up comment and is awaiting response.
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Want in on the action yourself?
Fancy going on what is potentially one of the best socially-distanced date nights there is in Manchester city centre right now?
Well, you can now apply to become a ‘background dater’ on this upcoming series First Dates by registering your interest and emailing: [email protected]
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All the free things you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this year
Danny Jones
What’s the best part about doing the Great Manchester Run, we hear you ask? All the freebies, of course. You’ll be glad to hear there are more free things than ever for finishers this year.
More than 35,000 runners are set to take on the challenge, be it the half marathon or the 10k, and we firmly believe every single one of these legends should be entitled to as much free stuff as possible.
If it were up to us, they wouldn’t pay for anything all day, but hey, we make don’t make the rules.
So yeah, without further ado, here are all the freebies you can get for taking part in the Great Manchester 2025.
Free stuff and offers for Great Manchester Runners to cop in 2025
Without further ado, here are a tonne of freebies, discounts and deals you can grab by simply flashing your finisher’s medals:
Credit: The Manc/Supplied
Dishoom –Complimentary 330ml Kingfisher/Kingfisher Zero (0.0%) for anyone with anyone dining with a finisher’s medal.
Blacklock –Free glass of fizz on us with your medal.
Maray – Free glass of fizz/pint (or non-alcoholic beer/soft) for anyone with a medal who is dining on Sunday
Electric Shuffle – Free house wine, prosecco or pint for anyone with a 2025 medal.
Salon Madre – 2-4-1 margaritas all day Sunday for anyone with a race medal.
Suki Suki – Free bao bun for anyone with a medal.
Refuge/Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – 100 free pints of Manchester Union Beer (first come, first served)
Hello Oriental – Discounted soft serve ice cream, plus a free beer or soft drink with any meal for all finishers
The Shack – Flash your medal to claim a free glass of Prosecco or beer, plus parties with medals get 20% off their food bill.
Dough Religion (House of Social) – half price slice at Manchester Jazz Festival on Sunday
The purpose of this happy hour spotting app has definitely been a topic of discussion between friends while over a few drinks on a night out, and now this idea has been brought to life.
Titled ‘Hoppy’, the all-new app shows you all the best happy hours in Manchester, even going as far as planning nights out for you and telling you what times each venue is hosting their exclusive offers.
Crazy Pedro’s are just one of the bars featured on this Happy Hour app.Trof is another venue that has a happy hour offering and has made its way onto the app.
Whether you’re after £6 margs at Ramona, two for one cocktails at Rewind or £4 draught pints and cider over at Arcane Bar, this app spells everything out for you plain and simple.
They even go as far as using their social media accounts to plan nights out in Manchester to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
In a post on their Instagram, they plan out the ultimate Tuesday night in the Northern Quarter, making the most of the various happy hours in the neighbourhood.
The happy hour app stops off at multiple pubs and bars, including frequently visited watering holes like Wolf at the Door, Trof, Bay Horse Tavern and Smithfield Social, before ending the night at Crazy Pedro’s.
Sounds like all the ingredients for the perfect crawl, if you ask us.
Revolución de Cuba, has a huge marg menu, is another drinks spot on Hoppy.Mother Mary’s serves some seriously good Guinness alongside some savvy savings too.
Go on, tell us looking at those hasn’t made you thirsty…
Next time you go out for drinks, why not download this happy hour spotting app along for the ride with you, and you won’t only thank yourself but your bank account will too.
‘Hoppy’ is available on the App Store now for everyone to make the most of their next night out and make finding the best happy hours in Manchester even easier HERE.
See you at the pub – provided happy hour is still on, of course.
Emily Sergeant -
4th September 2020 
