“There Wasn't Much to Think About in Returning to 'First Dates'”

She has returned to the place where she grew professionally. Presenter Lidia Torrent (Barcelona, 30 years old) is one of the faces of 'First Dates Hotel', the summer version of the popular dating show hosted by Carlos Sobera (this Tuesday at 22:50 on Telecinco), which was filmed in a luxury hotel in Moraira (Alicante). The daughter of Elsa Yanka returns to the weekly format as a receptionist after leaving the show in November 2022, when she took advantage of her maternity leave to pursue new professional challenges.

-You are returning to 'First Dates' in a big way.

-It has been very cool. I also experienced 'First Dates Cruises'. I came back with a lot of excitement, like a child grabbing a lollipop for the first time. We bonded well as a team and returned from filming after two weeks feeling nostalgic. I still remember the hotel's scents (laughs).

-What made you return to the format?

-It was a new project, and I was very eager. I felt that 'First Dates' has always been connected to me and will continue to be. So, I didn’t have to think much about it. There wasn’t much of a puzzle. I didn’t hesitate.

-What differences have you found compared to the daily show?

-In the hotel, there is total openness from the singles. The daily show is more packaged because you enter the restaurant, and everything happens faster. However, in the hotel, you know that time is longer; you enter with different energy, there are various spaces... I like things that simmer slowly. That’s the magic of the hotel for me: having more time to be yourself and experience everything more fully. I think that’s what makes this version more special. The daters seemed more relaxed, feeling it would be a marathon. You enter the hotel with different energy and expectations.

-Has it sparked your interest in returning to the daily show?

-Honestly, I haven’t thought about it, and it hasn’t been proposed either. It’s better to focus energy on what can happen rather than what cannot, which is my absolute priority now.

-How did you get into 'First Dates'? How was your casting?

-I had worked with Yolanda Martín Campayo, who was the first director of 'First Dates'. Before working at Warner, I was with her on a late-night show called 'Pecadores', which aired after 'Adán y Eva' on Cuatro. Then she mentioned doing the casting for 'First Dates'. I was a 25-year-old baby, with my glasses and everything.

-Are you open to any other television projects?

-Yes, I would love that. In these two years, I feel like I’ve made a journey of professional and personal growth, which ultimately go hand in hand. I’ve hosted amazing events with powerful brands and continued learning about the profession, growing but also training myself. I think that experience can be seen on screen too. But well, returning to television is always very special and magical.

-What did your mother Elsa Anka, who also appeared on 'First Dates', say when you told her you were returning?

-She got very emotional; she was thrilled. She was part of the team, and for me, it’s a gift to return to a format where you’ve been before—it’s like being with your family. She felt what I felt too. She also bonded well with everyone.

-And you had to separate from your daughter for several weeks for this show, right?

-It’s true that it was the first time I had been away from my little one for so many days. I thought it would be tough, but once there and immersed in work, I appreciated having time for myself and staying focused.