A viral TikTok video has revealed that some participants appearing in the background of the hit Channel 4 show First Dates are not actually on real dates. The clip, posted by user @Benexall, has been viewed over 200,000 times since it was shared last month.
In the video, Ben is shown sitting with his date partner at the restaurant used for Teen First Dates. After a brief shot of him sipping a drink, the camera pans to another couple at a nearby table. A caption reading 'not a real date' suggests that background couples are hired to create atmosphere, rather than being genuine daters.
This revelation adds to previous disclosures about the show's production. Last month, model Steffen-Pierre Tomlin, who appeared on the pilot series, told The Sun that the show provides only £25 per person towards the bill, leaving couples to cover the rest. The Paternoster Chop House, where the show is filmed, charges £17 for a cheeseburger and £39 for a fillet steak.
Teen First Dates, featuring 16-19 year olds, debuted last year and returned for a second season in February. The original First Dates has been on Channel 4 for nearly a decade.
Ben's TikTok caused confusion among some viewers, who mistakenly thought all dates on the show were fake. One user commented, 'What so it's not really dates?' Another clarified, 'Ppl in the background aren't on real dates but the main ppl in the show are.' LADbible has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
