First Dates Contestant Explains Why Couples Often Split The Bill

A former contestant from First Dates has lifted the lid on what goes on behind the scenes and it may explain why you’ll often see dates splitting their bill. 

Model Stefan-Pierre Tomlin appeared on the first series of the hit Channel 4 show, where he was matched with a woman called Siofra. 

In an interview with The Sun, Stefan-Pierre revealed that the black taxi ride daters are seen in is actually just a ‘10 second’ lift that you’re shuttled into after spending ‘hours’ in a holding room. 

Channel 4

Once out the taxi, contestants walk up to the restaurant - simple enough, eh?

But Stefan-Pierre said that short walk is ‘madness’ as there’s numerous cameras on you the whole time. 

He told the publication: ​​"There are cameras on cranes in every direction to capture you from all angles.

“It’s like walking down the red carpet or a catwalk. It was quite overwhelming. I didn’t realise what was going on.”

And, as you may have guessed if you’ve ever watched the show, once inside the restaurant there’s even more cameras - set to catch your every move. But the lack of manned cameras mean that it can be easy to forget you're being filmed, according to Stefan-Pierre. 

Channel 4

“They have cameras embedded everywhere and it’s very realistic and organic, which makes it feel like a real date,” he said. 

“I was on the pilot series so I didn’t know about the cameras in the toilets that recorded your conversations and phone calls to friends.” 

Awkward. 

However, one thing that’s sure to remind you that you are in fact being filmed is the interviews at the end of the date. However, Stefan-Pierre told The Sun he was ‘off his noodles’ due to knocking back so many cocktails during his date. 

The model claimed that the filming process is a pretty lengthy one, which is probably not ideal when you’ve been boozing throughout the day. 

Channel 4

Stefan-Pierre also revealed that the show gives just £25 each towards the cost of the bill, meaning the couples are left to cough up most of the cost. 

And the swish restaurant isn’t cheap, either - the Paternoster Chop House a cheeseburger costs £17, and a portion of triple-cooked chips cost a fiver, while 21-day dry aged fillet steak will set you back £39. 

So, it’s no wonder the dates so often divvy up the bill between themselves if they only have £25 each to splash out!

Topics: First Dates, TV and Film, Channel 4

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]