‘I’D DO CELEBS GO DATING!’
First Dates star Cici Coleman talks about the ups and downs of looking for love
After eight years as a waitress on one of telly’s most popular dating shows, it’s safe to say Cici Coleman knows a thing or two about first dates.
Chatting to new ahead of the latest series of Teen First Dates, the 35-year-old tells us the best and worst things we can do while looking for love.
“Do not catfish your date!” she says, “It’s not fun, it’s very annoying. I was super-upset that my first date after lockdown didn’t look anything like their pictures. I spent two hours getting ready, as I hadn’t dressed up or worn heels in ages… and then I paid for the whole date too. It was a disaster!”
Here, Cici chats about dating dos and don’ts, and reveals what we can learn from relationships that don’t work out…
Hi, Cici! Can you tell us what to expect about the new series of Teen First Dates?
I prefer it to the adult series! Everyone is so mature. I wasn’t like that at 16, I was a complete idiot. These guys are so socially educated. I guess I expected everybody to come in and be on their phones, and not actually engage with their dates. But they know to put their phones to the side and they are just so polite. I was really impressed.
Is it a different experience for you as a waitress?
It means we have to change our roles. We have to look after them a bit differently. There’s a fine line with not patronising, but helping and guiding them. It’s just the way they are so open – they don’t hold back, which I love!
Are you dating anyone yourself at the moment?
no, I’m not. I was in a really lovely relationship last year that unfortunately didn’t work out.
But it allowed me to see men in a different way, as it was a very respectful relationship. Every person who comes into your life teaches you a lesson and this person was such a beautiful lesson. But now the bar has been upped again! I’m just enjoying meeting new people at the moment.
What is your first date advice?
The best thing to do is not to judge yourself. We tend to ask ourselves things like, “How is my hair? Have I said something wrong?” and it all ends up being about yourself. Instead, put your focus on the other person, ask questions. It gets you out of your own head.
What would you say is the worst thing you can do?
Do not catfish your date. It’s not fun, it’s very annoying. I was super-upset as my first date after lockdown didn’t look anything like their pictures. I spent two hours getting ready as I hadn’t dressed up or worn heels in ages… and then I paid for the whole date too. So it was a disaster!
Has being part of First Dates changed your life?
Yes! The only way I can get my head around it is that I do the job I would normally be doing, it’s just televised. I still find it odd that people want a picture, but it is just part of my job now. It does open up your world, I’ve managed to open my fitness business, which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t done the TV work, because I wouldn’t have the following.
Do you still do waitressing outside of First Dates?
no, I made the decision to stop about three years ago. I’d always worked in the same restaurant and I loved it, but it was getting to the point where I was becoming quite recognised and you don’t end up doing your job as people are asking for photos.
Do people ask you if you can get them dates on the show?
Yes! I don’t think they realise how
many thousands of applications there are. I have no say about who goes on the show, but I probably get a message every other day asking!
Are you hoping you’ll get an invitation to [First Dates host] Fred Sirieix’s wedding?
I’m still waiting for one! I’ve worked with him for eight years, his relationship has been such a beautiful journey to see and I’m so happy for him.
You also have started a fitness business. What does it involve?
During lockdown I thought, “How can I get people moving?”
I did some live Instagram workouts which I enjoyed and the response was great, so now I have this wonderful group of clients who are so loyal and work so hard. It’s so rewarding watching people’s journeys.
Would you ever go on a celebrity reality dating show?
I watched the Celebs Go Dating
they did in the mansion during lockdown – that’s a dating show I’d absolutely do.
Teen First Dates begins on Wednesday at 9pm on E4