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Celebs Go Dating
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Celebs Go Dating | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Dating Reality |
| Starring |
|
| Narrated by | Rob Beckett |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 14 |
| No. of episodes | 259 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Editors |
|
| Camera setup | Multi camera |
| Running time | 60 minutes (inc. adverts) |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | E4 |
| Release | 29 August 2016 – present |
Celebs Go Dating is a British dating reality series. It began broadcasting on 29 August 2016 on E4, with the first series having 15 episodes. Paul Carrick Brunson, Anna Williamson and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn appear as the dating agents, with Tom Read Wilson as a client coordinator. Rob Beckett narrates the series. Following the conclusion of the eighth series, two special editions of Celebs Go Dating were commissioned due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television: Celebs Go Virtual Dating and Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion. The series has since resumed its regular format.
Development and production
[edit]It was announced in March 2016 that E4 had commissioned a new reality dating series which sees celebrities go on dates with members of the public. Filming for the first series started in August 2016, with the programme premiering later that month. The first series was made up of 15 episodes, airing every weekday. In 2017, a second and third series was confirmed to air in early and late 2017, with 20 episodes per series. Series two saw the return of Joey Essex who broke the rules in the first series when he started dating a celebrity on the series. During the filming of series two, Stephen Bear brought many problems to the dating agency, breaking the rules of the show by dating another celebrity outside of the series; this led to his removal from the programme.
It was announced on the official Celebs Go Dating Twitter account that the third series of the show will feature same-sex relationships for the first time. In September 2017, it was confirmed that the series would return for a fourth series in 2018.[2] The fourth series also features same-sex relationships. The series was renewed for a fifth and sixth series in 2018. In 2019, the Celebs Go Dating was renewed for a seventh and eighth series.[3] In June 2020, it was announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme would return with a special series titled Celebs Go Virtual Dating. With five 30-minute episodes, the series began airing on 27 July 2020.[4] The ninth series of Celebs Go Dating aired in early 2022.[5]
In September 2024, when producer Lime Pictures shuttered its London production office, Objective Media Group under its unscripted entertainment label Objective Entertainment had taken over Lime Pictures' reality state including Celebs Go Dating with Objecitve Entertainment would produce future series.[6][1]
Broadcast
[edit]The first and second series of Celebs Go Dating aired every weeknight on E4 with a repeat at the weekend on Sunday morning. The third series was due to end on 29 September 2017, however an episode that was due to be aired on 15 September 2017 did not air, seemingly pulled from broadcast moments before its scheduled starting time. The show's social media accounts even posted the trailer for the evening's episode hours before airing. An E4 spokesman cited "editorial reasons" and said the show would return the following week.[7] In the fourth series, Celebs Go Dating began to air during the week and weekend, but there was no episode on Fridays or Saturdays. The Celebs Go Virtual Dating series was aired weekly on Monday evenings, marking it as the first time the programme had been transmitted weekly.[8]
Series overview and cast
[edit]| Series | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 29 August 2016 | 16 September 2016 |
| 2 | 20 | 13 February 2017 | 10 March 2017 |
| 3 | 19 | 4 September 2017 | 29 September 2017 |
| 4 | 20 | 4 February 2018 | 1 March 2018 |
| 5 | 14 October 2018 | 8 November 2018 | |
| 6 | 24 February 2019 | 21 March 2019 | |
| 7 | 5 August 2019 | 29 August 2019 | |
| 8 | 24 February 2020 | 19 March 2020 | |
| VD | 5 | 27 July 2020 | 24 August 2020 |
| 9 (TM) | 20 | 25 January 2021 | 19 February 2021 |
| 10 | 17 January 2022 | 17 February 2022 | |
| 11 | 28 November 2022 | 23 December 2022 | |
| 12 | 20 August 2023 | 14 September 2023 | |
| 13 | 19 August 2024 | 19 September 2024 | |
| 14 | 11 August 2025 | 11 September 2025 | |
| 15 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Series 1 (2016)
[edit]The first series of the show was confirmed in March 2016 and began airing on 29 August 2016. It concluded after fifteen episodes on 16 September 2016. Shortly after the first series, it was announced that E4 had commissioned a further two series to air in 2017.[9] The following is a list of celebrities who appeared in the first series.
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Paisley Billings | Tattoo Fixers star |
| Charlotte Crosby | Former Geordie Shore cast member |
| Tyger Drew-Honey | Outnumbered actor |
| Joey Essex | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Jack Jones | YouTuber |
| Stephanie Pratt | Television personality |
Series 2 (2017)
[edit]The second series of the show was confirmed on 7 November 2016,[9] and began on 13 February 2017.[10] It concluded after twenty episodes on 10 March 2017. Along with the announcement of the cast for the series, it was confirmed that Joey Essex would be returning, having previously appeared in the first series. Stephen Bear was also removed from the series during the eighteenth episode for breaking the show rules by dating a celebrity outside of the agency.[11] The following is a list of celebrities who appeared in the second series.[12]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Stephen Bear | Television personality |
| Jonathan Cheban | Keeping Up with the Kardashians star |
| Joey Essex | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Perri Kiely | Diversity member |
| Ferne McCann | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Jorgie Porter | Hollyoaks actress |
| Melody Thornton | The Pussycat Dolls member |
Series 3 (2017)
[edit]The third series of the show was confirmed on 7 November 2016[9] along with the announcement of the second series, and began airing on 4 September 2017.[13] It concluded after nineteen episodes on 29 September 2017. Bobby Cole Norris also became the first gay cast member to take part in the series.[14] The following is a list of celebrities who appeared in the third series.[15]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| James Argent | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Calum Best | Model & television personality |
| Bobby Cole Norris | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Sarah-Jane Crawford | Television presenter |
| Charlotte Dawson | Ex on the Beach cast member |
| Frankie Cocozza | Singer & The X Factor contestant |
| Courtney Stodden | Media personality |
| Georgia Toffolo | Made in Chelsea cast member |
Series 4 (2018)
[edit]The fourth series of the show was confirmed on 28 September 2017,[16] and began airing on 4 February 2018. It was the first series to have aired at the weekends, however there was no episode on Fridays or Saturdays. The following is a list of celebrities who appeared in the fourth series.[17]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Gemma Collins | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| London Hughes | Television presenter |
| Jade Jones | Taekwondo athlete |
| Jonathan Lipnicki | Actor |
| Ollie Locke | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Seb Morris | Racing driver |
| Tallia Storm | Singer |
| Mike Thalassitis | Love Island contestant |
| Sam Thompson | Made in Chelsea cast member |
Series 5 (2018)
[edit]The following is a list of celebrities who appeared in the fifth series, which was broadcast from 14 October 2018 to 8 November 2018.[18]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Alik Alfus | Former Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Olivia Attwood | Love Island contestant |
| Eyal Booker | Love Island contestant |
| Mutya Buena | Sugababes singer |
| Sam Craske | Diversity member |
| Callum Izzard | Ibiza Weekender cast member |
| Vas J Morgan | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Chloe Sims | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Amy Tapper | Gogglebox star |
Series 6 (2019)
[edit]The following is a list of celebrities appeared in the sixth series, which was broadcast from 24 February 2019 to 21 March 2019.[19]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Jack Fowler | Love Island contestant |
| Chelsee Healey | Waterloo Road & Hollyoaks actress |
| Kerry Katona | Atomic Kitten singer & media personality |
| Megan McKenna | Television personality & singer |
| David Potts | Ibiza Weekender cast member |
| Georgia Steel | Love Island contestant |
| Sam Thompson | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Pete Wicks | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
Series 7 (2019)
[edit]For the first time in Celebs Go Dating, the series will feature couples, with Charlotte Crosby and Josh Ritchie receiving couples therapy as well as Jermaine Pennant and his wife Alice Goodwin. Katie Price and boyfriend Kris Boyson were initially revealed as part of the show in the cast announcement but due to conflict of interest on Price's behalf, they didn't appear on the series.[20][21] The following is a list of celebrities appeared in the seventh series, which was broadcast from 5 to 29 August 2019.[22][23][3]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Megan Barton Hanson | Love Island contestant |
| Lady Colin Campbell | Royal biographer & socialite |
| Jack Fincham | Love Island contestant |
| Lauren Goodger | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Nathan Henry | Geordie Shore cast member |
| Lee Ryan | Blue singer & actor |
| Chloe Sims | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Demi Sims
The Only Way Is Essex cast member | |
| Couples | |
| Television personalities | |
|
|
|
|
- ^ Scenes with Price and Boyson were removed from the series due to a conflict of interest.
Series 8 (2020)
[edit]The eighth series, along with the line-up, was announced on 20 November 2019.[24] The series aired from 24 February 2020 to 19 March 2020.[25] Midway through the series, Charlotte Dawson and Matt Sarsfield joined for couples therapy.[26]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Olivia Bentley | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Amy Childs | Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Dean Gaffney | Former EastEnders actor |
| Alison Hammond | This Morning reporter |
| Amy Hart | Love Island contestant |
| James "Lockie" Lock | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Josh Ritchie | Love Island contestant |
| Malique Thompson-Dwyer | Hollyoaks actor |
| Couples | |
|
|
Special - Celebs Go Virtual Dating (2020)
[edit]E4 announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they would air a socially distanced series, titled Celebs Go Virtual Dating. The lineup for the series was announced on 15 July 2020. The series consists of five 30-minute episodes that began airing from 27 July 2020. The series was aired weekly.[27]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Levi Davis | Rugby union player |
| Chloe Ferry | Geordie Shore cast member |
| Shaughna Phillips | Love Island contestant |
| Pete Wicks | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
Series 9 - Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion (2021)
[edit]Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion was announced on 25 November 2020, alongside the lineup. Unlike prior series, it was announced that the celebrities would be cohabiting together.[28] The premiere date was later confirmed to be 25 January 2021.[29]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Joey Essex | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Chloe Ferry | Geordie Shore cast member |
| Kimberly Hart-Simpson | Actress |
| Sophie Hermann | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Wayne Lineker | Businessman & brother of footballer Gary Lineker |
| Curtis Pritchard | Love Island contestant |
| Tom Zanetti | DJ & music producer |
| Karim Zeroual | CBBC presenter & actor |
Series 10 (2022)
[edit]The tenth series was announced on 27 October 2021.[30] The series launched in January 2022.[31][32] According to dating agent Anna Williamson, Ryan-Mark Parsons received the worst score in Celebs Go Dating history and was put on hold from further dates.[33]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Abz Love | Five singer & rapper |
| Chloe Brockett | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Nikita Jasmine | Married at First Sight contestant |
| Ulrika Jonsson | Television presenter & model |
| Jessika Power | Married at First Sight Australia contestant |
| Marty McKenna | Geordie Shore cast member |
| Miles Nazaire | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Ryan-Mark Parsons | The Apprentice contestant |
Series 11 (2022)
[edit]The eleventh series was confirmed in August 2022 after cast members were spotted and photographed filming for the series.[34][35] Love Island cast member Laura Anderson was scouted for the series "hours after" the end of her four-year long relationship with Dane Bowers.[36]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Laura Anderson | Love Island contestant |
| Cecilie Fjellhøy | The Tinder Swindler cast member |
| Bethan Kershaw | Geordie Shore cast member |
| Gary Lucy | Hollyoaks actor |
| Sinitta | Singer & television personality |
| Navid Sole | The Apprentice contestant |
| Pete Wicks | The Only Way Is Essex cast member |
| Liam Reardon | Love Island contestant |
Series 12 (2023)
[edit]The twelfth series was confirmed in June 2023 and the celebrities were announced thereafter.[37]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Adam Collard | Love Island contestant |
| Chloe Burrows | Love Island contestant |
| Mark-Francis Vandelli | Made in Chelsea cast member |
| Lottie Moss | Model |
| Spuddz | Comedian & internet personality |
| Vanessa Feltz | Television & radio presenter |
Series 13 (2024)
[edit]The thirteenth series was confirmed in March 2024 and the celebrities were announced thereafter.[38][39]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Chris Taylor | Love Island contestant |
| Helen Flanagan | Former Coronation Street actress |
| Ella Morgan | Married at First Sight cast member |
| Jamelia | Singer & Hollyoaks actress |
| Stephen Webb | Former Gogglebox cast member |
| Lauryn Goodman | Social media influencer |
| Tristan Phipps | Made in Chelsea cast member |
Series 14 (2025)
[edit]The fourteenth series was confirmed in April 2025 and the celebrities were announced thereafter.[40] Christine McGuinness left before filming had finished because of personal reasons.[41]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Mark Labbett | The Chase quizzer |
| Jon Lee | S Club singer & actor |
| Olivia Hawkins | Love Island contestant |
| Kerry Katona | Atomic Kitten singer & media personality |
| Christine McGuinness | Television personality & model |
| Sam Prince | Made In Chelsea cast member |
| Donna Preston | Actress & comedian |
| Louis Russell | Television personality |
Series 15 (2026)
[edit]The cast for the fifteenth series was announced on 21 January 2026.[42]
| Celebrity | Notability |
|---|---|
| Coleen Nolan | Singer & Loose Women panellist |
| David Potts | Television personality |
| Gabby Allen | Television personality |
| James Haskell | Former England rugby player |
| Lucinda Light | Married at First Sight Australia star |
| Professor Green | Rapper |
Agents, psychologists and presenters
[edit]| Cast member | Role | Series | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | VD | TM | 11 | 12 | 13 | ||||
| Eden Blackman | Dating agent (series 1–4) | |||||||||||||||
| Nadia Essex | Dating agent (series 1–5) | |||||||||||||||
| Paul Carrick Brunson | Dating agent (series 5–present) | |||||||||||||||
| Anna Williamson | Dating agent (series 6–present) | |||||||||||||||
| Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn | Dating agent (series 12–present) | |||||||||||||||
| Tom Read Wilson | Receptionist (series 1–3) Junior client coordinator (series 4–TM) Senior client coordinator (series 11–present) |
|||||||||||||||
| Rob Beckett | Narrator | |||||||||||||||
| Joey Essex | Online presenter | |||||||||||||||
| Dr Pam Spurr | Psychologist | |||||||||||||||
| Judi James | ||||||||||||||||
- = Agent/psychologist/presenter is a main cast member
- = Agent/psychologist/presenter is a recurring cast member
- = Agent/psychologist/presenter does not feature in this series
- = Presenter was a cast member in this series
- = Narrator features in this series
Reception
[edit]The series regularly attracted audiences of over one million viewers in its early runs on E4, but ratings declined in later years.[43]
Critical responses to the format have been mixed. A review in The Guardian described the show as “fizzy and fun, but ultimately shallow,” while also noting its popularity with younger viewers.[44]
Controversies
[edit]The programme has occasionally been the subject of regulatory complaints. In August 2019, Ofcom received complaints about episodes of Celebs Go Dating concerning race discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination.[45]
Also in 2018, dating agent Nadia Essex was suspended from the show after it emerged that she had used anonymous social media accounts to post critical comments about other individuals involved in production.[46]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Lime reality shows to be rehoused after London exit". The Talent Manager. 20 September 2024.
- ^ Westbrook, Caroline (27 September 2017). "12 behind the scenes secrets from Celebs Go Dating – as revealed by Eden Blackman". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
- ^ a b "When does Celebs Go Dating start as the series 7 cast is confirmed?". Metro. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating is getting a socially distanced spin-off". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ Henry, Grace. "Celebs Go Dating 2022 line-up: Meet all the singles looking for love". Radio Times. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ Chapman, Stephen (19 September 2024). ""Cost efficiencies" – Lime Pictures' London office to close". Prolific North.
- ^ Saunders, Emmeline; Newman, Vicki (16 September 2017). "Real reason Celebs Go Dating was pulled from E4 schedule without warning". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- ^ "Celebs Go Virtual Dating cast: Meet the line up of celebrities". Telly Mix. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ a b c Celebs Go Dating [@CelebsGoDating] (6 November 2016). "We are pleased to announce that Celebs Go Dating will be back on @E4Tweets in 2017, with not just one series but 2!! #LetsGetDating" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 December 2016 – via Twitter.
- ^ Meets, Mark (9 March 2017). "Celebs Go Dating 2017: Cast, start time and spoilers from series 2 of E4 show". MarkMeets. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Darvill, Josh (29 March 2017). "Stephen Bear 'fined £1,500' after being kicked off Celebs Go Dating". TellyMix. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Dodds, Emma (25 January 2017). "Celebs Go Dating is back for season 2! Here's the line-up". Closer. American Media, Inc. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Bhunjun, Avinash (4 September 2017). "Celebs Go Dating: What's new? When is it on? What channel? And Line-up?". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Duncan, Amy (11 May 2017). "Bobby Norris becomes first ever gay star to sign up to Celebs Go Dating". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Nattrass, JJ (11 September 2017). "Celebs Go Dating 2017: Who's in the cast and what time does it start?". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ Celebs Go Dating [@CelebsGoDating] (28 September 2017). "Would you want to date a celeb? YOU could be on the next series of #CelebsGoDating Send your details to dating@limepictures.com" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 September 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Who's on Celebs Go Dating cast? Celebrities on Series 4 revealed". TellyMix. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating 2018 cast: New line up of celebrities revealed". TellyMix. 24 July 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ^ "So what does everyone think of the new series lineup? #coming2019". 23 November 2018. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
- ^ McCreesh, Louise (4 June 2019). "Celebs Go Dating signs up Katie Price and boyfriend Kris Boyson". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
- ^ "Katie Price and Kris Boyson sign up for couples therapy on Celebs Go Dating". Metro. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
- ^ Lee, Jess (29 May 2019). "Megan Barton-Hanson talks Celebs Go Dating casting despite quitting reality TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating cast: 2019 new lineup confirmed!!". thetab.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ Edwards, Chris (20 November 2019). "Celebs Go Dating 2020 cast announced with Amy Hart and Amy Childs". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating 2020 line up and start date for series 8". TellyMix. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating 2020 line up, cast, spoilers and how to watch series 8". TellyMix. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
- ^ "Celebs Go Virtual Dating line-up revealed and it's a blinder". Heat. 16 July 2020.
- ^ "Corrie star signs up for Celebs Go Dating with Wayne Lineker also in the line-up". Manchester Evening News. 25 November 2020.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating's new series The Mansion confirms premiere date in first-look teaser". Digital Spy. 13 January 2021.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating announce Ulrika Jonsson, Abz Love, Chloe Brockett, Miles Nazaire, Nikita Jasmine & Ryan-Mark Parsons as they re-enter the dating game and begin their search for love | Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ Benson, Rhianna (27 October 2021). "Line-up announced for new series of Celebs Go Dating". WalesOnline. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating announce Ulrika Jonsson, Abz Love, Chloe Brockett, Miles Nazaire, Nikita Jasmine & Ryan-Mark Parsons as they re-enter the dating game and begin their search for love | Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ Sarrubba, Stefania (10 February 2022). "Celebs Go Dating puts Ryan-Mark on hold for "toxic" behaviour". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ "CELEBS GO DATING TO RETURN FOR ELEVENTH SERIES ON E4". TVZone. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Kerwin, Ellie (16 August 2022). "Pete Wicks 'doesn't want to date' despite being spotted filming Celebs Go Dating". OK!. (Reach plc). Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Lawes, Ruth (18 August 2022). "The Tinder Swindler's victim Cecilie Fjellhøy 'joins Celebs Go Dating' to 'learn to trust again'". Metro. (DMG Media). Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating 2023 cast of celebrities revealed for new series on E4". TellyMix. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating to return later this year". Digital Spy. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ Macdonald, Eve (21 May 2024). "Celebs Go Dating 2024 full line up 'revealed' with Corrie and Love Island stars". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating reveals line-up for series 14". channel4.com/press. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Christine McGuiness quits Celebs Go Dating with Chris Hughes as 'replacement'". independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment. 2 May 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "The Agency is open for business once again as Celebs Go Dating returns for a 15th series | Channel 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ "E4's Celebs Go Dating loses viewers but remains a staple". Broadcast. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ^ Hogan, Michael (7 August 2017). "Celebs Go Dating review – fizzy and fun, but ultimately shallow". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ^ "Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin, Issue 387" (PDF). Ofcom. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ^ "Celebs Go Dating star Nadia Essex suspended from show". BBC News. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
External links
[edit]Celebs Go Dating
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Programme Overview
Concept and Format
Celebs Go Dating is a British reality dating series in which single celebrities enroll in an exclusive dating agency staffed by relationship experts who pair them with non-celebrity members of the public, known as "civilians," for blind dates aimed at fostering genuine romantic connections.[6][4] The premise emphasizes celebrities stepping outside their usual social circles to confront personal dating challenges under professional guidance, blending entertainment with therapeutic elements focused on self-improvement.[12][3] Episodes typically follow a structured narrative that begins with agency sessions where experts provide tailored advice on the celebrities' romantic histories and behaviors, followed by pre-date preparations and the dates themselves, often set in upscale or exotic locations to enhance the experience.[4] Debriefs occur post-date in the agency, allowing celebrities to reflect on interactions with expert input, while group mixers introduce potential matches in a social setting to encourage spontaneous connections.[6] Later episodes may incorporate retreats or finales where favored dates reconvene, culminating in evaluations of progress.[13] Unique mechanics include periodic "rankings," where celebrities or experts assess dates based on compatibility and performance, adding a competitive layer to the process, alongside interventions by experts such as Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson to address emerging issues like mismatched expectations.[4][3] "Off-limits" protocols govern agency interactions to prevent unauthorized contact between celebrities and dates outside supervised events, ensuring the focus remains on guided matchmaking.[14] The format has evolved from its inaugural 2016 series, which consisted of 15 episodes aired over three weeks, to a standard of 20 hour-long episodes stripped across four weeks in subsequent runs, allowing deeper exploration of participant arcs.[15][16] Special editions, such as the 2020 virtual dating installment prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, adapted mechanics to online interactions while retaining core elements like expert coaching and blind setups.[17] Key rules mandate that celebrities adhere to expert recommendations, maintain no prior knowledge of their dates to preserve authenticity, and prioritize personal growth—such as overcoming insecurities—alongside the pursuit of romance, with violations potentially leading to on-screen confrontations or eliminations from certain activities.[3][6]Hosts, Agents, and Experts
The dating agents and experts on Celebs Go Dating play a central role in matchmaking, providing coaching on relationships, emotional support, and analysis to guide celebrity clients through dates and personal challenges. These professionals operate from a fictional agency setting, where they conduct one-on-one sessions, group debriefs, and interventions to foster self-awareness and compatibility. Their expertise draws from backgrounds in counseling, psychology, and media, ensuring a blend of practical advice and therapeutic insight tailored to high-profile participants.[18] In the show's early seasons, from Series 1 in 2016 to Series 4 in 2018, the primary dating agents were Eden Blackman and Nadia Essex. Blackman, a dating coach and founder of the matchmaking service Would Like to Meet, focused on compatibility matching and behavioral coaching, leveraging his experience in event-based dating services. Essex, a relationships expert with a background in media and personal coaching, contributed psychological analysis and emotional guidance, often addressing clients' past traumas during agency sessions. Blackman departed after Series 4 to pursue other projects, including a dating app and music ventures. He died on 21 June 2025 after a long illness.[19][20][21][22] Essex was suspended mid-filming for Series 5 in 2018 due to off-screen conduct issues and did not return.[20] Starting with Series 5 in 2018, Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson took over as the core dating experts, a pairing that has continued through Series 14 in 2025. Williamson, an accredited therapist and former TV presenter known for shows like Big Brother's Little Brother, emphasizes emotional intelligence and mental health support, drawing from her qualifications in life coaching to help clients navigate vulnerability. Brunson, an American entrepreneur, author of It's a Match, and certified matchmaker with over a decade in marriage counseling, specializes in compatibility assessments and practical dating strategies, often incorporating his podcasting experience to communicate relational dynamics. Their tenure has seen the show's format evolve, with the duo providing consistent guidance amid format changes like virtual dating specials.[18][23][24][25] In Series 12 (2023), Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn joined as a third expert, expanding the panel to include specialized input on intimacy and sexual communication. A tenured associate professor of sexual communication at California State University, Fullerton, and a certified sexologist, Suwinyattichaiporn brings academic credentials in relationship dynamics and ethical non-monogamy, offering clients research-backed advice on physical and emotional intimacy. Her addition has enriched the agency's offerings, particularly in addressing modern dating complexities like consent and diverse relationship structures.[26][27] Supporting the experts is Tom Read Wilson, who has served as the agency's receptionist and junior client coordinator since Series 1 in 2016. An actor and broadcaster with prior TV appearances on The Voice UK, Wilson handles administrative tasks on-screen while delivering humorous commentary and facilitating client interactions, adding levity to the agency's atmosphere without direct matchmaking involvement. The series is narrated by comedian Rob Beckett, whose voiceover provides witty recaps and observational humor, a role he has held since the 2016 premiere to enhance narrative flow.[28][2]Production and Development
Origins and Launch
Celebs Go Dating was commissioned by E4 in 2016 as a reality dating series featuring single celebrities matched with members of the public through an exclusive agency. The show was produced by Lime Pictures, with executive producers Phil Harris and Kalpna Patel-Knight overseeing development. Channel 4's Head of Formats Dom Bird and Formats commissioning editor Simone Hayward spearheaded the project, drawing on the concept of real dating agencies to guide participants toward potential romance under expert supervision.[29] The series was first publicly announced on July 21, 2016, highlighting its innovative format where celebrities would navigate dates analyzed by dating experts for chemistry before, during, and after encounters. Pre-launch publicity teased the initial lineup of six celebrities, including reality television personalities Joey Essex, Charlotte Crosby, Stephanie Pratt, Tyger Drew-Honey, Jack Jones, and Paisley Billings, aimed at blending fame with everyday dating dynamics to attract a broad audience. The experts selected for the debut were matchmaker Eden Blackman and dating coach Nadia Essex, chosen for their professional backgrounds in relationship guidance.[29] Filming for the first series began in August 2016 at a central London townhouse transformed into the Celebrity Dating Agency set, providing an authentic agency environment for interactions. The season comprised 15 episodes, airing nightly from August 29, 2016, over three weeks to build momentum. Early production faced challenges in casting, focusing on emerging or reality-based celebrities to ensure accessibility while generating viewer interest through familiar faces.[2][3][29]Format Evolutions and Specials
Over the course of its run, Celebs Go Dating has evolved its format to incorporate more communal and experiential elements, such as group living arrangements and international retreats, while maintaining the core agency matchmaking structure.[30] These changes aimed to heighten drama and test connections in varied settings, responding to production constraints and audience preferences.[13] A significant adaptation occurred in 2020 with Celebs Go Virtual Dating, a five-episode spin-off prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This special edition shifted traditional in-person dates to video calls, followed by socially distanced meetups for selected matches, reducing physical interactions while preserving the experts' guidance on compatibility.[31] The format emphasized virtual mixers and online agency sessions, allowing celebrities to explore connections remotely and highlighting the challenges of digital romance during lockdowns.[17] In 2021, series 9 introduced Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion, a lockdown-inspired special where celebrities and their dates cohabited in a luxurious ten-bedroom mansion, marking a departure toward intensified group living. This setup blurred boundaries between celebrities and daters, focusing on shared daily dynamics and communal events like mixers rather than individual therapy sessions, which altered the gameplay by amplifying interpersonal tensions and reducing one-on-one focus.[30] Dating expert Anna Williamson later critiqued the format's intensity, noting logistical difficulties and a dilution of the show's relational improvement ethos, leading to its discontinuation.[30] Following the pandemic, the show returned to its standard agency-based format starting with series 10 in 2022, incorporating enhancements like expanded mixers and new challenges to boost excitement without full cohabitation.[13] Subsequent series added experiential twists, such as the "romantic retreat" in later episodes, where participants engaged in group activities to foster bonds. By series 13 in 2024, a major refresh included innovative elements like "Celebs Brunch" sessions, placing casts in awkward communal scenarios to reveal personalities.[14] Series 14 in 2025 featured an overseas adventure to Ibiza in the first week, with celebrities and dates staying in a villa for immersive, pressure-free testing of holiday romances.[24] Additionally, viewer feedback prompted a finale-week holiday twist in 2025, sending potential couples abroad to evaluate long-term viability.[32] These evolutions were largely driven by external factors like COVID-19 restrictions, which necessitated virtual and isolated formats, and internal responses to feedback on pacing and authenticity.[30] The changes impacted gameplay by varying interaction levels—from virtual detachment to heightened group proximity—ultimately aiming to balance drama with genuine matchmaking opportunities.[17]Broadcast History
Channel and Scheduling
Celebs Go Dating premiered on E4, a subsidiary channel of Channel 4, on 29 August 2016. All subsequent series have aired exclusively on E4, with episodes available for streaming on the Channel 4 platform (formerly All 4).[6] Each series typically consists of 15 to 20 episodes, lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Episodes are usually broadcast four nights a week, from Monday to Thursday, in the evening slot, often at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Repeats occasionally air on weekends.[16][33][34] The show occupies summer and autumn scheduling slots, with series generally running for four weeks. For instance, series 14 began on 11 August 2025. International distribution remains limited, primarily accessible via Channel 4's streaming service or platforms like Prime Video in select regions.[24][35] Viewership for the first series averaged 630,000 viewers, establishing a solid audience for E4's reality lineup. Later series, such as the seventh, maintained an average of 659,000 viewers, though consolidated figures include streaming. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a special virtual edition in 2020 adapted to restrictions, contributing to Channel 4's streaming growth, with the show ranking among top streamed titles. Overall trends show stable linear ratings around 600,000 to 700,000, supplemented by increasing on-demand views.[16][1][36] The series receives annual renewals, with confirmations typically announced in spring. Series 14 was greenlit in April 2025, and series 15 is scheduled for 2026.[24][37]Series Overview
Celebs Go Dating has run for 14 series since its debut, each featuring a rotating cast of single celebrities seeking romance through dates arranged by the show's dating agency. Early series (1-5) primarily featured D-list celebrities and reality TV personalities from shows like The Only Way Is Essex and Geordie Shore, emphasizing chaotic dates and public interactions, while later series (6-14) shifted toward more established reality stars from Love Island and Big Brother, incorporating themed challenges and group dynamics. Outcomes have been rare, with most contestants parting ways post-finale, though notable couplings include Joey Essex and Stephanie Pratt in series 1 and Megan McKenna and Mike Thalassitis in series 3. The show also produced two specials adapted to pandemic constraints: Celebs Go Virtual Dating in 2020 and Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion in 2021. Series 1 (2016)The inaugural series aired from 29 August to 16 September 2016, comprising 15 episodes broadcast weeknights on E4. The cast featured reality stars Joey Essex, Gemma Collins, Charlotte Crosby, Stephanie Pratt, Ferne McCann, Thom Evans, Jack Jones, and Paisley Billings. Key events included awkward speed-dating sessions and Gemma Collins' explosive dinner date disasters, alongside Joey Essex's rule-breaking flirtations. In the finale, Joey Essex and Stephanie Pratt coupled up, ditching their civilian dates for a celebrity pairing that briefly continued outside the show.[38][6] Series 2 (2017)
Aired from 13 February to 2 March 2017 over 15 episodes, this series saw the return of Joey Essex alongside new cast members Frankie Cocozza, Bobby Norris, Megan McKenna, and others like Olivia Attwood and Jonathan Cheban. Major plot arcs involved double dates to curb unpredictable behavior, such as Stephen Bear's antics, and Essex's ongoing search for love. No lasting couples formed, with most contestants exiting single, highlighting the show's focus on entertainment over enduring matches.[38] Series 3 (2017)
Broadcast from 4 September to 22 September 2017 in 15 episodes, the cast included Megan McKenna, Mike Thalassitis, Olivia Attwood, Jonathan Cheban, and returning faces like Gemma Collins. Key events featured McKenna's emotional journey post-breakups and tense agency debriefs. The finale saw Megan McKenna and Mike Thalassitis couple up, one of the show's few initial successes, though their relationship ended shortly after filming.[6] Series 4 (2018)
From 4 February to 23 February 2018, 15 episodes showcased Sam Thompson, Jonathan Lipnicki, Joey Essex (third appearance), and others including Lauren Goodger and Kendra G. Highlights included celebrity mixers and failed blind dates, with no couples forming; contestants like Thompson focused on personal growth amid comedic mishaps.[6] Series 5 (2018)
Aired 14 October to 5 November 2018 across 20 episodes, featuring Paul Danan, Malia Arkian, and reality alumni like Chloe Green and Wayne Lineker. Plot arcs centered on mansion retreats and group dates, but outcomes remained elusive, with all stars single at the end, underscoring the series' emphasis on drama.[6] Series 6 (2019)
Running 24 February to 15 March 2019 in 15 episodes, the cast comprised Love Island's Jack Fincham, Wes Nelson, and newcomers like Amber Turner. Key events involved virtual reality dates and exit scandals; no couplings occurred, though Fincham's vulnerability drew praise.[6] Series 7 (2019)
Aired 5 August to 29 August 2019 over 20 episodes, with cast including Blue's Lee Ryan, Trisha Payee, and others like Harry Raban and Cel Allred. Major arcs featured lockdown-teasing dates and emotional debriefs, ending without pairs but setting up virtual adaptations.[6] Celebs Go Virtual Dating (2020)
This five-episode special, linked to the main run, premiered 27 July 2020 on Mondays at 10pm on E4, adapting the format to video calls amid COVID-19. The cast was Shaughna Phillips, Pete Wicks, Chloe Ferry, and Levi Davis from reality TV. Key events included socially distanced mixers and virtual mix-ups, with no formal couplings but positive feedback on innovative matchmaking.[31][39] Series 8 (2020)
From 31 August to 18 September 2020, 15 episodes post-virtual special, featured Amy Hart, James Lock, and Olivia Attwood (returnee). Events incorporated hybrid dates, with Hart's post-Love Island healing arc prominent; all ended single.[6] Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion (2021)
A standalone seven-week special starting 25 January 2021 at 9pm on E4, where celebrities isolated in a mansion for dates. Cast included Chloe Ferry, Curtis Pritchard, Karim Zeroual, Kimberly Hart-Simpson, Sophie Hermann, Tom Zanetti, and Wayne Lineker. Highlights were lockdown-style group living and steamy challenges, yielding no lasting couples but boosting viewership.[40][41] Series 9 (2022)
Aired 24 January to 11 February 2022 over 15 episodes, with Big Brother's Liam Reidy, Love Island's Kaz Kamwi, and others like Tobey Magne. Key plots involved therapy sessions and forbidden crushes; outcomes saw brief flirtations but no commitments.[6] Series 10 (2022)
From 29 August to 16 September 2022, 15 episodes featured Ulrika Jonsson, reality TV stars like Pete Wicks (return), and newcomers. Events included gala balls and exit dramas, ending with all single amid focus on self-discovery.[6] Series 11 (2023)
Broadcast 7 August to 25 August 2023 in 15 episodes, cast included Adam Collard, Lottie Moss, and Chloe Burrows from Love Island. Major arcs featured rule-breaking romances and a dramatic finale where Adam chose Lottie, though they split soon after.[42][43] Series 12 (2024)
Aired from 12 August to 30 August 2024 over 15 episodes, with cast like Ella Morgan, Jamelia, and Harry Ruzvan. Key events included double dates and backlash moments, with no successful couplings, maintaining the show's chaotic legacy.[6] Series 13 (2024)
Running 23 September to 11 October 2024 in 15 episodes, featured reality veterans like Megan Barton-Hanson and new faces such as Chris Hughes. Plot highlights were agency interventions and unrequited crushes, concluding without pairs.[6] Series 14 (2025)
This series aired from 11 August to 11 September 2025 over 20 episodes weeknights on E4. The cast includes Mark Labbett, Kerry Katona, Jon Lee, Louis Russell, Olivia Hawkins, and Christine McGuinness, who exited early after an emotional breakdown over privacy concerns and family priorities during filming, though she later returned for the finale. Key events featured quiz-themed double dates for Labbett and Katona, and Hawkins' bold mixers. In the finale, several couples formed, including Kerry Katona with Paolo Margaglione, Jon Lee with Jordan Fairhurst, and Mark Labbett with Deanne Perkins, with at least some continuing post-show.[24][44][26][45][46][47]