You may know Fred Sirieix best as the French restaurant host of Channel 4's flagship dating show, First Dates.
The maître d'hôtel turned television personality has often helped countless nervous first daters find love - or at least enjoy a delicious meal - on the popular reality show.
Now, he's taken his reality TV presence one step further after venturing into the ITV I'm a Celebrity jungle.
What's more, he's already clashed with fellow campmate Nella Rose over 'disrespectful' comments that he made to the YouTuber.
As with previous years, it's clear that I'm A Celebrity 2023 is going to be packed with drama and questionable bushtucker trials.
So who exactly is Fred Sirieix? Here's everything we know about the TV star.
Who is Fred Sirieix ?
Born in Limoges, France, Fred has always been drawn to the world of high-end dining. He initially trained as a chef before working his way up in the restaurant world.
He arrived in London in 1992 and quickly made his mark on a number of fine-dining haunts including La Tante Claire and Le Gavroche. He's been a staple across several Michelin-star restaurants before finding fame on Channel 4.
Fred made his debut as the maitre d’ of the “First Dates restaurant” in 2013. His welcoming personality and subtle dating advice helped countless daters enjoy their experience at the Paternoster Chop House in St Paul’s.
He told The Guardian that he chose to accept the role because "it sounded fun and you have to consider any opportunity. I looked carefully at it and became sure it was a good programme at heart".
Fred was also the general manager at Galvin at Windows for 14 years and also spent a lot of time helping people step into hospitality.
With his fame firmly being cemented in the restaurant and hospitality world, Fred has since fronted multiple other shows such as My Million Pound Menu and the Road Trip series with Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo.
Taking a break from fine dining, Fred is currently in the jungle alongside stars including YouTuber Nella Rose, controversial politician Nigel Farage and Jamie Lynn Spears.
What did Sirieix say to Nella?
Things got quite heated in the jungle during last night's ITV episode of I'm A Celebrity when Nella took offence over a remark made by Fred.
During the show, Sirieix was talking about his age when he said to Nella: “Yeah, but I’m not 26 anymore, am I? I could be your dad."
Rose maintained that her father would have been older, but Sirieix continued: “Yeah, but I could still be your dad.”
Nella has lost both of her parents and felt that the remark was "disrespectful".
Later, she admitted to the confessional: “I didn’t say anything last night because I was kind of just annoyed about it. So, I slept on it, and I kind of thought about it and I was just like, ‘This is not the kind of person I want to be around.’”
However, Nella didn't hold back the morning after, telling Fred: “Yesterday, when I wanted to burn fat that you were going to throw out anyway, you turned around to me with an attitude and said, ‘You know I could be your dad, right?’”
Fred responded: "I made a mistake and I said something and I offended you, I’m really sorry. I’m really sorry you feel like this."
Who is Fruitcake, Fred’s partner?
Fred reportedly met his partner, who goes by the name Fruitcake, in 2018.
Fruitcake has a glamorous social media profile where she debuts many elegant outfits and affordable fashion looks.
The couple have kept a relatively low profile but are said to have got engaged in March 2020. However, they have yet to tie the knot and are still working out a date for their wedding.
Previously speaking about his relationship, Fred said: "We just enjoy each other's company, we enjoy walking and all sorts of stuff, like everybody else, it's easy - very simple and very straightforward."
She's also been supporting her fiance during his jungle stint, and also weighed in on her partner's recent row with Nella.
She wrote on social media: "Tough watch for some of the show tonight but Fred did us so proud – we know his intention would never be to upset anyone. Keep your head up Fred – we love you."
