Fans were baffled why the new episode wasn’t shown (Picture: Paul Groom Photography Ltdwww.)

First Dates fans were left baffled when they tried to tune in to watch a new episode of the show… only to find that it wasn’t airing as scheduled.

On Tuesday evening, the latest episode of the brand new series was due to be shown on Channel 4, featuring stars including maître d’ Fred Sirieix and bartender Merlin Griffiths.

However, one of the daters, Stephan, revealed on X that the new episode – which he was set to star in with his mum – had been pulled.

He had initially shared his excitement about the episode, tweeting: ‘The secret is officially out – my mum and I will be on @FirstDates tonight!’ alongside a clip of them greeting Fred at the entrance to the restaurant in Bath.

‘Tune in to channel 4 at 10pm to see all of our shenanigans 👀 It’ll be our first time seeing the episode as well, so you can watch along with us!’

Shortly afterwards, he gave a ‘disappointing’ update, which read: ‘I have some bad news: Just got word that unfortunately our First Dates episode won’t be airing tonight for some reason — but you can still watch it right now on catch up! And hopefully it’ll air on TV soon.’

In a follow-up message, Stephan then confirmed that it had also been ‘taken down from catch up/demand’, but he had managed to download it on Sky Go.

He added: ‘I’m really sorry to anyone who was excited to watch it tonight 😔 We’re all disappointed, but apparently it WILL be airing sometime soon.’

In a statement sent to Metro.co.uk, Channel 4 said: ‘Episodes were removed for editorial reasons and the new series will resume next Tuesday at 10pm.’

The second episode of series nine, which aired in 2017, was shown on TV instead.

Stephan assured his followers on X That ‘apparently, First Dates will resume as normal next week’, stating: ‘I really hope that’s the case! I was so hyped for y’all to see my ep.’

On the Channel 4 schedule, it says that the second episode of the 2024 series – which had been due to air last night – will be made available instead on Tuesday next week.

Fred also addressed the missing episode on X, writing to his followers: ‘No idea what happened tonight with #FirstDates episode and when it will be aired. Clearly a glitch somewhere. Sorry 🙏🏻 As soon as I hear I will let you know x.’

Several fans expressed their confusion, with one called Matthew writing: ‘What happened to last nights #FirstDates episode of channel 4 it was a repeat for some strange reason.’

‘Thought this was supposed to be a new series,’ another bemused person named Liz remarked. While Jonathan asked Fred: ‘What was the issue with tonight’s episode it was replaced with a repeat.’

Metro.co.uk has requested further clarification from Channel 4 about whether the second episode of the new series will still air.

First Dates is available to watch on Channel 4 and will return on Tuesday at 10pm.

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Fans were baffled why the new episode wasn’t shown.