First Dates Ireland is back with a bang, and much-loved waiter Pete shares with Irish Country Magazine what it’s like to work on the show.
While we see many new faces come and go on First Dates Ireland, there are some that we have become more familiar with as the feel-good show has been on air for a decade.
One of those faces includes Pete Ungless, one of the First Dates Ireland waiters. Part of the show for almost 10 years, Pete has seen his fair share of daters coming in and out of the restaurant, witnessing the beginning of many love stories. Here, Pete chats with Irish Country Magazine about life on the show.
Had you been a fan of First Dates Ireland before you joined the show?
Honestly, not in the traditional sense. I’d seen clips from the UK First Dates series, but the Irish version was still in its infancy, and I’d never actually sat down to watch it. In a way, I was going in a bit like the daters themselves – it felt like my own kind of blind date. What struck me very quickly, though, was how warm and genuine the whole experience is, and how much care goes into making people feel comfortable.
What makes the show strike such a chord with viewers?
There’s a true feel-good vibe to it. Viewers witness emotions they recognise instantly – nerves, anticipation, hope, and vulnerability. Even if you’re not dating yourself, you remember what it feels like to put yourself out there. The show treats those moments with warmth and respect, and I think that’s why people connect with it so deeply.
As a waiter, can you tell when a date is going well or poorly? How do you keep your reactions hidden?
You pick up on subtle cues, how relaxed people seem, whether the conversation starts to flow, or if both are smiling without realising it. But as a waiter, you become quite skilled at maintaining a neutral expression. My job is to keep things moving smoothly and ensure everyone feels comfortable, regardless of how the date unfolds. At the end of the day, it’s their moment, not mine.
Could you envision yourself on the opposite side of the table in search of love?
I’m happily married, and I’m glad the dating phase of my life is behind me. Even when I was single, I doubt I would have had the courage to do it on national television. I have huge admiration for the people who do—it takes real confidence to lay down your heart so openly. I feel far more at ease supporting them from this side of the table.
What would you like viewers to know about working on the show?
Behind the scenes there’s a strong sense of fun, with plenty of mischief and the occasional prank along the way. It’s a genuinely positive environment, and that relaxed vibe helps everyone feel at ease – we’re essentially like family by now, and collaborating with the team behind the scenes is just great craic.
Finally, what can we expect from this season?
This season may just be the finest yet. We’ve got the oldest dater on record, some heartwarming sibling connections along the way, and even a familiar face that viewers may recognise. There’s plenty of laughter and a dash of mischief, but at its core lie people truly giving love a chance.
You can catch First Dates Ireland every Thursday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
