First Dates star Fred Sirieix has landed a new TV series.
The French-born maitre d’ is on the hunt for tomorrow’s chefs and restaurateurs in Step Up To The Plate.
Sirieix and chef Allegra McEvedy will put 10 to 14-year-olds through their paces in the CBBC series as they try to find a maitre d’ and head chef who have the “potential to be future stars of the restaurant industry”.
Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard will be a guest on the show (Matt Crossick/PA)
Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard, ex-Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and former EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa will appear as celebrity customers while others will pose as “difficult diners”.
Sirieix, whose advice on love made him a breakout star of First Dates, said he wants to inspire a new generation of professionals.
“I’ve always wanted to showcase the hospitality industry in all its glory,” he said. “This show is a unique opportunity to do that and to teach kids the art of service and the art of running a restaurant.
“It’s about inspiring and educating the next generation of professionals into the world of catering and hospitality because it is a wonderful industry and there are great career prospects there.”
Step Up To The Plate will air on weekdays on CBBC from Monday August 12.
First Dates star Fred Sirieix signs up for new TV series
