First Dates Hotel: Merlin Griffiths gets his Tarot cards read
Merlin Griffiths, who has been a bartender and mixologist for over two decades, opened up about his movements behind the scenes on the set of First Dates as he teamed up with Harrogate Spring Water to create their new 0% summer cocktail, The Royal Raspberry Spritz.
The pub owner, 48, who works behind the bar on the Channel 4 show, is often a source of calm for daters before they meet their potential other halves.
After maitre d’ Fred Sirieix ushers guests on the show over to the bar, Merlin makes singletons the perfect drink to calm their nerves.
However, while he enjoys quizzing people on their upcoming dates, the star has admitted in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk that he will often “try to make himself scarce as quickly as possible”.
Asked how long it usually takes him to tell if a couple’s really hitting it off, Merlin admits: “Oh my goodness, sometimes you can tell in seconds!
READ MORE: First Dates star Merlin Griffiths receives ‘all clear’ after bowel cancer battle[NEWS]
“They lock eyes on each other and, honestly, you might as well not exist at that point.
“I must be honest, by the time someone’s date comes to the bar anyhow, I do my damnedest to make myself scarce as quickly as I can.
“Otherwise I’m a third wheel,” he explained. “I am now an impediment to their dating so, at that point, I scoot out of the way and let them get on with it.
“But yeah, you can see when people really fall head over heels for one another.
Don’t miss…
First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths reflects on Channel 4 show’s success[NEWS]
First Date star Merlin Griffiths pays tribute to ‘extended family’[LATEST]
Fred Sirieix ‘so scared he threw up’ after Strictly rehearsal[INSIGHT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
“Others may take a little bit more time, but that’s just natural as well. It’s not easy for everybody to open up instantly.”
Merlin has been a staple of the First Dates team since the show launched back in 2013 and he has also appeared in its spin-off shows.
While viewers often see sparks fly on the show, they can also see dates go terribly wrong.
Asked if he ever feels like intervening when he senses a lot of awkwardness, Merling confirmed: “Yeah, sometimes, because we know how to look after people.
“If I’m pottering around the bar and I detect something’s slightly off with the conversation or what have you, then I don’t feel any which way about jumping in and finding out what’s going on and, if possible, a kind word here or there… Or a distraction or change of topic… Whatever it takes.
“It’s just to try and get them back on track,” Merlin continued. “You’re trying to condense what takes maybe three, six, 12 months of people’s time dating into one single dinner date.
“So we act as a catalyst and do whatever is necessary to get people over any humps and hurdles.”
In partnership with Harrogate Spring Water, mixologist and celebrity bartender, Merlin Griffiths created The Royal Raspberry Spritz, a new 0% cocktail to encourage the nation to welcome moderation into their lives this summer.
It was debuted at Royal Ascot at The Mindful Drinking Bar by Harrogate Spring Water.
Source: Read Full Article
