For many of us, we know him as the charming maitre d' on Channel 4's First Dates.
But now the esteem...View MoreFor many of us, we know him as the charming maitre d' on Channel 4's First Dates.
But now the esteemed TV personality will be returning to our screens taking on a very different role,
as presenter of the BBC's Olympics coverage.
In an unexpected development, the BBC have announced that Fred Sirieix will be joining the line-up
of presenters for the channel's coverage of the Games in Paris this summer.
The stint - which is unlike any role he has taken on before -
is his biggest job yet, and adds onto an already remarkable success story from beginning as a chef
in France, to filming a road trip show with Gordon Ramsay and starring in ITV's I'm a
Celeb.
But while the switch from the culinary world to the sporting arena may come as a surprise to some, experts say they saw
it coming.
As publicist Mark Borkowski surmised to MailOnline, 'Fred's got that rare
blend of warmth and professionalism.
Fred Sirieix will be joining a line-up of presenters who
will be heading the BBC's Olympics coverage this summer
The TV personality is best known for being the charming maitre d' on Channel 4's First Dates
'Viewers love him because he feels genuine - he's not just a talking head; he's someone who
seems like he'd actually remember your name and favourite wine.'
The French chef and presenter quickly became a fan-favourite when he made his debut on dating show First Dates in 2013.
Read More
Diving into a new career? Fred Sirieix joins ex sports stars to host BBC's coverage of the
Olympics
Viewers immediately took a liking to him with his welcoming smile and offers
of romantic advice to lovebirds appearing on the show - and
more than 10 years later his popularity on the programme has not waned.
Outside of his life in The Botanist in Bath, where the series is now filmed, the 52-year-old
won over viewer's hearts when he paired with Gordon Ramsay and Italian chef Gino D'Acampo to star in Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip.
But born and brought up in a close-knit family in Limoges, France, becoming a TV star is not what Sirieix always had his sights set on.
The young Frenchman did however, always have
a passion for food and hospitality, and it was this drive that saw him rise through the ranks from his life in the culinary world
to one in TV.
Leading PR guru Mr Borkowski added the maitre d' had qualities that made viewers take to him.
He said: '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 coverage?
'It's the kind of career trajectory that gives hope
to every reality TV personality with a smidgen of charisma and a dab hand
at handling awkward moments.
Pictured in the middle, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, the TV personality's daughter who is part
of Team GB's diving team in the Olympics
Sirieix alongside Gordon Ramsay and Gino D'Acampo for Gordon, Gino and Fred's Great Christmas Roast
Life: Born and brought up in a close-knit family in Limoges,
central France. He now lives in Peckham, London (pictured in August)
'Fred's success boils down to a few key ingredients.
Authenticity is key.
'Second, he's an absolute wizard at making people feel
comfortable. Watching Fred navigate the awkward,
sometimes cringeworthy moments on "First Dates" is great TV.
'Lastly, the BBC are always hunting for safe, polished
and personable presenters. He brings a touch of French
or even continental flair without arrogance, making
him good fit for a global event like the Olympics.
'Fred's ascension is a classic tale of savvy career management and natural talent.
He's not just riding the wave of reality TV fame.
'If there's a lesson here, it's that authenticity, combined with a keen understanding
of one's own strengths, can propel anyone with a great team and a social media
presence.
'Oh, and being a nice guy helps.'
The son of healthcare workers, Sirieix has previously told of
how his father, a nurse, was his role model and had inspired him to work in the service industry.
Beginning to train as a chef at a catering college
in nearby Souillac, in southwest France, he worried it might 'kill his soul' and decided he would
prefer to front-of-house roles.
Sirieix accepting the Food award for 'Gordon, Gino and Fred: Viva Espana!' at The TRIC Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor
House Hotel
Nigel Farage and Sirieix both took part in I'm a Celebrity
Get Me Out of Here last year
Having always taken a liking to life in the UK, the young man packed his bags and set off to London in 1992 at the ripe age of 20.
He started off his career as a Chef de Rang at
the three-Michelin starred restaurant La Tante Claire, which
has since closed down. He then worked his magic at Le Gavroche, Sartoria and Brasserie Roux.
But it was at the Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows, on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane, where he
found a home as the general manager and remained for 14 years until 2019.
His life in TV life took off by surprise, from becoming the friendly
face associated with First Dates, to road tripping with culinary greats Gordon and Gino.
Last year, Sirieix found further fame on ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me
Out of Here when he hit out at Nigel Farage, saying
the Reform leader was 'not interested in making the world
a better place'.
Besides his TV success, the charismatic maitre d' has not only done well for himself,
but given back to youngsters through a range of charity initiatives.
In 2017, Sirieix helped launch The Right Course, a charity project where
offenders are put in charge of cooking and serving at jails, leading to
a diploma at the end.
The initiative, which was kickstarted with the aim of helping offenders find work after their sentences, has proven largely successful.
According to the website, 74 per cent of those who
signed up to it achieved at least one qualification in 2023, and 93 per cent of those who are
in contact post-release have secured employment.
Fred with the two chefs Gordon and Gino in their 'Go Greek' episode
Sirieix, Gordon and Gino in the Fiesta Forever episode of
their road trip series
Love: Fred revealed on I'm a Celeb that he's planning to tie the knot with his
fiancée Fruitcake in 2024, after being forced to cancel their nuptials due to the Covid pandemic
He also has a love for all things spirits, creating a cocktail competition called the Galvin Cup which awards young bartenders for their
talents.
Alongside, Sirieix heads Galvin's Chance, a
charity aimed at supporting underprivileged young people in front-of-house roles in London and Scotland's leading hotels,
restaurants and bars.
Speaking of the BBC's decision to bring on Sirieix, Mr
Borkowski added: 'Freds appointment might be seen as part of the BBC's current trend of prioritising personality
and public engagement over conventional qualifications.
'Sirieix's career has been marked by his ability to connect with people
and bring a touch of elegance and charm to whatever he does, qualities that
the BBC might be banking on to engage a wider audience for the Olympics.'
The 52-year-old is not the only one in his family who will be doing something Olympics-related this summer.
His daughter, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, is a British
professional diver who became a World Junior in 2022 and has won multiple European and Commonwealth medals.
She will be heading to her second Olympics to represent Team GB's diving team.
Sirieix also has another child, Lucien, both from a previous relationship.
He is currently engaged to fiancée Fruitcake, who he
plans to marry in Jamaica later this year.
In the exciting new role, Sirieix will be joining Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, Hazel Irvine, Isa Guha, Jeanette Kwakye, JJ Chalmers,
and Mark Chapman to present the Olympics.
Special guests will also include celebrated female Olympian, Laura Kenny, British long jumper Jazmin Sawyers, Olympic gold medallist Moe
Sbihi, and Olympic bronze medallist Vicky Hollan.
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For many of us, we know him as the charming maitre d' on Channel 4's First Dates.
But now the esteem...View More
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