Laura Tott returns to Channel 4's First Dates after 5 years

First Dates waitress Laura Tott has rejoined the Channel 4 dating show for its 26th series, reuniting with the original restaurant team.

Tott was part of the First Dates team from 2013 until 2021.

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Laura Tott returns to First Dates 5 years after leaving Channel 4 show

Five years later, First Dates has confirmed Tott's return with a teaser video on social media.

The clip features the 32-year-old alongside maitre d' Fred Sirieix, bartender Merlin Griffiths, and fellow waitress Cici Coleman.

When asked in the clip what the best thing about returning to the series was, Tott joked: "The pay."

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She also praised her colleagues, saying she was excited to be back.

Tott said: "Fred has got even more charming, which I didn't know was possible.

"Merlin's got wiser.

"And Cici's just got funnier.

"I just think everyone's just got even better.

"Aging like fine wines.

"It is just the old gang back together, and I am so so happy to be back."

Meanwhile, fellow First Dates waitress Cici Coleman posted on Intagram, adding: "The family couldn’t be more excited to have you back @lauratott_."

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Why did Laura Tott leave First Dates?

Tott left First Dates in 2021 when filming moved to Manchester (First Dates is now filmed in The Botanist in Bath) and new staff were introduced.

At the time, she explained that her commitments as a paramedic also made it difficult to continue filming.

Tott said: "They have moved up north to a new restaurant and wanted to freshen up the team for this series with some new local faces among the old faces, so I will not be featuring in this new series of First Dates unfortunately.

"To be honest I don't actually know how I would have fit filming in this year with working during the pandemic, I've needed everyday off to chill out so it's actually been a welcomed break.

"I've missed the whole team though that's for sure.

"This doesn't mean it's over and I'm still very much part of the First Dates family and hopefully I'll be back again real soon."

When does the new series of First Dates start on Channel 4?

Series 26 of First Dates begins on Wednesday (October 28) at 10pm on Channel 4.

Are you excited to see Laura Tott back on First Dates? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.