Exercise puts me in a positive mindset'

As Fred Sirieix celebrates his daughter's sporting success, he shares the joy of fitness, food and finding the perfect match

- EVE MACDONALD

Fred Sirieix could well be the most charming man on TV. And when we catch up with the First Dates maître d' via video call, he's bursting with pride as he talks about his daughter, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who won a bronze medal with Lois Toulson in the Women's Synchronised 10m Platform contest at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fred, 52, was by her side all the way as the 19-year-old diver made the podium for Team GB. "Andrea has a champion mindset and works incredibly hard," he grins.

As expected, as we chat to Fred - also a proud dad to 14-year-old son Lucien - food is a huge talking point and the I'm A Celeb star reveals the dish he loves to make for his fiancée, Fruitcake.

The couple who met in 2018 and now live together in Peckham, south London - tend to keep much of their relationship under wraps, but got engaged in March 2020 and were hoping to tie the knot the following year.

However, Covid-19 restrictions put their plans on hold and their big day is still in the works. But one thing's for sure, they love to cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Here, Fred tells us about new TV projects, his love of exercise and shares some advice on romance.

Hi, Fred! How are you? You must be so proud of Andrea, especially competing at the Olympics?

She's not even 20 years old but she's making her dreams come true. She's made a lot of sacrifices - like giving up holidays and free time - to train. She has the focus, determination, resilience and the ability to just keep going and push harder every time.

You seem like a bit of an athlete yourself, Fred. People couldn't get over your physique in the I'm A Celeb jungle...

I've done sports since I was a boy, and I train every day.