Channel 4's First Dates unveils first look at new series as Traitors winner Meryl Williams joins line-up
'Swapping the roundtable for a table for two'First Dates is returning to Channel 4 for a new series, with Traitors winner Meryl Williams among the singletons looking for love.
An official preview offers a glimpse of her search for romance, with the programme’s Instagram account sharing a first look at her date ahead of the upcoming series.
The 30-year-old won the first civilian series of The Traitors in 2022 alongside Aaron Evans and Hannah Byczkowski.
Meryl was born with achondroplasia, a genetic condition that causes the most common form of dwarfism.
Now, her next reality TV appearance will focus on finding a romantic connection rather than winning a competition.
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When does First Dates return on Channel 4?
First Dates returns for its 26th series on Wednesday, October 28 at 10pm on Channel 4.
The official preview shows Meryl walking down the street in a red maxi dress ahead of her date.
“Swapping the roundtable for a table for two,” the show’s official account teased in their caption.
Viewers responded positively to the announcement, with several cheering her on and saying they were excited to watch.
One supporter wrote: “You got this queen.”
“Oh I’m looking forward to this! I hope it goes well for you,” another person shared.
“Can’t wait for this!!!! Go shine girl,” a third remarked.
Whether Meryl finds the connection she is hoping for is the question awaiting viewers when her date plays out.
Meryl Williams puts Maddy Smedley Traitors rows behind her
Away from her new dating adventure, Meryl has previously discussed the clashes viewers saw between her and Maddy Smedley.
The former co-stars repeatedly disagreed during filming, with their differing opinions leading to rows on The Traitors. But Meryl has since said their relationship has changed, confirming that the arguments did not leave them at odds.
She discussed their friendship during an interview on Saturday Night with Hayley Palmer. Hayley asked how she coped with the lying and deceit involved in the competition.
“I think I am a good liar and people think that I’m trustworthy,” Meryl said.
She explained that she had expected not to seem intimidating, before she and Maddy began clashing in episode six. Those disputes disrupted her original approach, but she also explained that they no longer reflected her relationship with Maddy.
“We are friends now,” she said.
Meryl has also spoken about life after her victory, including how she spent her £30,000 share of the prize.
Speaking to Fabulous, she revealed that she had undergone breast augmentation and forehead reduction surgery.
First Dates airs at 10pm on Wednesday, October 28 on Channel 4
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