interview
TV’s Cupid chats to Millie Payne about reality TV and which celebs he wants on First Dates
Fred Sirieix is well-versed in making a good impression. After all, he has been the charming maîtred’ on First Dates for over a decade – a role where calming the singletons’ nerves is just as vital as providing a top-class romantic dinner service. When we get him on the phone, the52yearoldis just as passionate and eloquent as he is on TV, embodying a certain je ne sais quoi.
Now, after fans watched him slumming it on I’m A Celebrity last November, Fred is back on screen as co-host of The World Cook with Emma Willis, where the culinary stakes are much higher than the jungle’s staple offering of rice and beans. The show sees the presenting duo venture all around the globe as 16 international chefs battle it out to be crowned “world cook”, and it’s clear that it’s given Fred the travel bug. While he’s happy to tell us where he and fiancée “Fruitcake” are jetting off to next, he politely insists on keeping the origins of her affectionate nickname under wraps.
That’s fine by us – we get the juicy goss elsewhere, starting with him spilling the beans on his Down Under experience…
So, how was jungle life?
It was great. The peace and the serenity – there was a real sense of relaxation that I felt, because there was no distraction. I really got to be inside myself and I really liked that. I had no responsibilities.
You were very hot on staying fit – what was your jungle regime like?
Me and Marvin [Humes] trained every day. My routine was 20 minutes with 301 push-ups, reverse lunges and other leg exercises. I lost less weight, because my muscle quality remained.
Er, 301 push-ups exactly?
Yeah. I’ve been doing that every day for 15 years!
What TV show would you love to do next?
I’d say The Traitors. I love it! I think it’s a great show. I really enjoy the way they’ve done it and the way it’s produced. It’s a real television success – very entertaining.
Do you think Harry Clark was the right winner?
Yeah. I mean, come on, he was good. He was the master, wasn’t he?
Would you be a Traitor or a Faithful?
You have to be prepared to be both and do the best at either.
If Claudia Winkleman asked if you wanted to be a Traitor, what would say?
Definitely. It’d be fun. Everyone wants to be a baddie.
Would you ever do Celebrity Big Brother?
I’m not sure the nature of the show would suit me. But never say never.
You’re back for series two of The World Cook. How is it working with Emma Willis?
She is wonderful – good fun and, very importantly, she’s g
