First Dates Contestant Explains Why Couples Often Split The 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. 

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. 

“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. 

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. 

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!