First Dates

The ins and outs of reality casting

“We’re looking for people who are going to surprise us... humour is a huge thing on First Dates... especially the teenagers’ [show]. Teenagers are so funny, even when they don’t mean to be,” said Rosie Smith, a casting producer at Twenty Twenty Television who has worked on Chan­nel 4 series Teen First Dates.

“Relatability” is also important, as are “layers”, she added. “You want some­ one’s story to unfold on screen.... Finally, [you want] someone who’s keen on your programme.”

The best dating shows to binge-watch this week

Clockwise from top left: Love Island, Love Is Blind, Hot Property (Credit: ITV, Netflix, BBC)

With everyone unable to leave the house to meet up with their latest dating app match, the only option is to live vicariously through others or brave a first date over FaceTime.

Here are some of the best dating shows to keep you company while social distancing.

 

Love Is Blind – Netflix

The social dating experiment, Love Is Blind, was a Netflix sensation and has already been renewed for two more series following its success.

First Dates set to move to Manchester

Credit: Channel 4

First Dates originally aired in 2013 and the popular format has been repeated in over 20 territories, with a spin off show, First Dates Hotel, created in 2017 taking the search for love to France and Italy.

Hundreds of couples have been matched up in the search for their soulmate, with the help of Maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his team.

The show has led to a host of engagements, marriages and even a baby.

The series production company, Twenty Twenty, has moved First Dates to Manchester as part of their commitment to UK regions.

Channel 4 announces line-up for Stand Up To Cancer 2018

(Credit: Channel 4)

In the aim to fight cancer, the RTS award-winning Stand Up To Cancer resumes tradition with a live-special with stars all across entertainment, sport and music rallying together to raise money for life saving research.

Maya Jama (The Circle), Alan Carr (Chatty Man) and Adam Hills (The Last Leg) will be presenting this year’s live extravaganza, which will be filled to the brim with an array of humorous sketches and tear-jerking awareness shorts.