We quiz Fred Sirieix on his World Cookco-host Emma Willis, wife-to-be Fruitcake and athlete daughter Andrea
SARAH MORTON
Having worked as the maître d’ on Channel 4’s First Datesfor many years, Fred Sirieix has seen his fair share of good-looking people – and he doesn’t hold back when it comes to dishing out compliments. Case in point – Fred is quick to gush about Emma Willis, his “beautiful” co-host on Prime Video’s popular culinary show The World Cook. But what does his fiancée – who Fred calls Fruitcake – make of it all?
“Why would she mind?” Fred, 52, asks, when we quiz him on whether or not Fruitcake would be jealous. It’s clear the couple are still rock solid after six years together. With plans to walk down the aisle this summer, Fred is also hoping to see his daughter, diver Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, 19, who he shares with ex-wife Alex, take part in the Paris Olympics.
Here, Fred discusses working with Emma, being in awe of his daughter and why his wife-to-be trusts him implicitly...
Hi, Fred! You recently said Emma looked like a perfect Greek statue – we take it you’re a fan, then?
Oh, she was carved out of marble! She’s very beautiful. But the main thing with Emma is she’s a real pro. She’s so good at what she does. Filming our second series of The World Cook, it’s like a walk in the park with her.
Does Fruitcake get jealous when you compliment other women like that?
No, why would she mind? Emma is beautiful and I really like her. And I really like her husband Matt, he’s a very nice guy. I think I can say that somebody’s beautiful. It doesn’t mean anything.
You and Fruitcake obviously have a very solid relationship. What’s your secret?
It’s a relationship based on trust. And that’s the most important thing because without trust, you’ve got no love. The other thing is, we really like each other and we have a lot of fun. We laugh, we constantly joke and if something happens, the first thing that I think about is calling Fruitcake and telling her and vice versa. So it’s very nice to have a companion like that. Someone you feel so close to and that you want to share everything with. It’s really, really quite special. And I feel grateful for her every day.
Would you say that you’re quite a romantic person?
Yes, I think so. I love love. I believe in love. I believe in small gestures. I believe that it’s my job to be charming and to be kind first. If you’re having
