First Dates’ Fred Sirieix partners Objective Media to form prodco Canard

French presenter and writer Fred Sirieix, best known as the maître d’ on Channel 4’s UK version of First Dates, is launching his own production label, called Canard, with Objective Media Group (OMG).

Fred Sirieix

Canard’s first commission is Fred’s Last Resort (working title) for Channel 4’s youth-skewing network E4. The 8×60’ series sees Sirieix recruit 10 young people at a crossroads in their lives and throw them into roles in the world of luxury, high-end hotel hospitality.

This initial green light forms part of an exclusive partnership with All3Media-owned OMG for unscripted formats that will see Canard coproduce with companies in the group. Fred’s Last Resort is a coproduction with Betty TV and Motion Content Group.

Sirieix, who is managed by Encanta Talent Management, presents UK series including Bafta-winning First Dates, BBC Two’s Remarkable Places to Eat, Royal Television Society Award-nominated Gordon, Gino & Fred for ITV and Channel 4’s Snackmasters.

Sirieix said: “I love TV and presenting. It’s a pleasure for me to work with talented people on so many great series. I am so grateful for the chance to develop my own ideas. It’s a dream come true to see them come to life. Vive Canard.”

Layla Smith, Objective Media Group’s CEO, said “Working with Fred is ‘fantastique’ – his enthusiasm and passion for concept creation is inspiring and we look forward to creating brilliant ideas and series together.”