Fred Sirieix, the French maître d’ synonymous with love and romance, has been sharing his insights on food, love and relationships for years. Now, as he teams up with Knorr on their latest Valentine’s campaign, he lifts the lid on his relationship with his fiancée Fruitcake (she prefers to keep her real name private), who he has been in a relationship with since 2018 and what romance truly means to him.

The star, who has been helping couples find love on First Dates since 2013, maintains that food is the way to a woman’s heart, as he reveals his own plans for the day of love, and opens up on an exciting new TV project later this year and reveals what he really thinks about Brits and their ability to be romantic…

Happy Valentine’s Day, Fred! What are your own plans?

Nothing is as romantic as sharing a private ,intimate meal at home, I plan to stay in. By cooking at home, you can be more cost friendly and effective and also handpick quality ingredients. And when you’re cooking at home this Valentine’s Day, I’d say, remember it is a marathon, not a sprint! The way I like to ensure I stick to my timings is by preparing each part of the meal step by step. I put my classical playlist on and follow the tempo of the music. It gives my mind clarity and creates a calmer environment, so I can avoid pesky mistakes.

You’re synonymous with love and romance – are you a romantic at heart?

Romance to me means, accepting and loving others and living in harmony. I am definitely a romantic, I love to be around people and a large part of my job revolves around others and serving them. In any relationship, you get what you put into it. The more you work at it, the better it gets. It’s about nurturing love!

What’s one of the most romantic gestures you’ve ever made?

Oh, I love romantic gestures; I have done many over the years. Maybe one of my best one’s or one of my favourites was taking Fruitcake to Monte Carlo to show her the places I worked as a young professional. It was magic to relive that together as a team!

What adds the ‘spice’ in your own relationship?

I think having clear communication and shared interests also strengthens me in my relationship as in relationship, you’re both a team and supporting each other, rather than being against each other. Having that teamwork and shared interest within the relationship keeps that spice alive.

You’re working with Knorr on their new campaign – is cooking together key to reigniting the spark?

For sure. They say couples who cook together stay together! Working on a dish with your loved one is very intimate and provides a good opportunity to get creative with your partner. Knorr’s research reveals half of UK adults enjoy cooking with a partner, over two-thirds of these being younger people (67%).

Are you a good cook? What would you rustle up to have your other half to have her falling into your arms…

I was born into food. My parents always used to have good food in the fridge: from fillet steaks to seasonal veg; they love to make good quality dishes. My favourite meal to cook my significant other is a beautiful steak with my signature mushroom cream sauce, made with a White Wine Knorr stock pot of course and my lovely homemade French fries, then we are winning.

Does dining out ever feel like a Busman’s holiday for you?

Yes absolutely! As a maître d’, it can be challenging to switch off as part of my brain is always observing and critiquing. It’s a huge passion of mine! However, I always remember that dining out is just a chance to relax, enjoy and get inspiration, so that it doesn’t detract from the experience.

Do you think Brits are fundamentally not very romantic?

I actually think Brits are very romantic and like celebrating love. My tip is, to add a playful and romantic side to your relationship this week, listen to what your partner wants and combine it with a passion of yours, this will add a personal twist on generic romantic gestures.

Have you got any exciting new TV projects on the horizon this year?

There are lots of exciting things on the horizon! We’re just about to start filming a new series for First Dates and launching an extension of the First Dates brand called First Days Beach Club which we are filming this year. In addition to touring round Northern Ireland for a cycle programme called Fred’s Tour De Ireland. Can’t wait for you to all see it come to life.

What’s the wisest piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?

The best piece of advice was from my mum: There is only one way to do it, always work with the best and always do your best!

If you could give your 18-year-old self any advice about life, what would it be?

Never stop learning. The hospitality world is vast and constantly evolving. Stay curious and openminded to new experiences and approaches, that’s how passion truly grows – when you’re nurturing something you love.

Knorr and brand ambassador, Fred Sirieix, have launched an exclusive ‘Knorrplay’ ‘aphrodisiac’ stock pot this Valentine’s Day – challenging the UK to experience the effect of its secret ingredients

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