The rise and rise of Fred Sirieix: How First Dates Maître d' served up his biggest job yet as BBC Olympics presenter thanks to 'rare blend of warmth and professionalism' after extraordinary career trajectory via Gordon Ramsay and even Nigel Farage

For 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 comes 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.

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Diving into a new career? Fred Sirieix joins ex sports stars to host BBC's coverage of the Olympics

Viewers immediately took a likening 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.

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.