First Dates: 1980’s pop-star turns nostalgia into sadness – ‘Out of touch’
First Dates: 1980’s pop-star turns nostalgia into sadness – ‘Out of touch’
Although episode five of First Dates was supposed to provide a kick of entertaining nostalgia, there was an element of sadness to the show.
Former 1980’s pop-star and Curiosity Killed The Cat band member Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot cut an unrecognisable figure, admitting to a long battle with drink and drugs.
Branded ‘out of touch’ and ‘offensive’ for his end-of-date joke, fans have taken to Twitter to sympathise with the former superstar.
Wow I can’t believe how horrid some people are being on Twitter about Ben from cktc … it’s called Age! That’s what growing old does to you unless you’re like other celebs and spend a fortune on plastic surgery! 🙄 #getreal #FirstDates
— Fabulous Fi✨ (@FirozaUltiManag) May 2, 2018
A Troubled Past
Ben admitted that he had been desperately trying to move on with his life since his 1980’s stardom.
He had a difficult time stepping out of the A-list loop of drug and alcohol dependency, however, spending three months in rehab.
Who'd have thought Ben from Curiosity Killed The Cat would be on #FirstDates, not surprised Sarah hasn't recognised him, he looks so different
— Tracey (@Tracey__S__) May 2, 2018
The 52-year-old told barman Merlin that he “never liked the spotlight” and was enjoying life as more of an anonymous figure – you won’t find him on Twitter or Instagram.
His date, 43-year-old music manager Sarah, however, was about to fire Ben straight back to the past.
Curiosity Almost Killed The Cat
Ben tried to swerve the inevitable music chat the best he could, mentioning that he was more involved in the business back in the 80s.
Sarah probed, however.
You have to admit, that hat was definitely hiding a story or two…
If Ben from Curiosity Killed The Cat doesn't want to be recognised, then why the fuck is he still wearing the same hat that he had on in 1987?#FirstDates
— Füzžy📺Böx™ (@FuzzyTellybox) May 2, 2018
Sarah was shocked and amazed at the news, oozing excitement from the off.
She even called her mum to say that she was sat having dinner with her idol – a man she once had posters of on her wall.
Outdated & Out of Touch
Despite Ben coming across as polite and attentive, there was an element of outdatedness to his approach
First, there were his flashing shoes.
Sarah (and everyone else on the internet) found these bad-boys absolutely repulsive…
Hey Ben, my 8 yr old has grown out of wearing flashing trainers #FirstDates #justsaying
— Claire Brabin (@baileybug500) May 2, 2018
With the date coming to a close, Ben had hit the old-age dilemma of the bill.
However, lacking any grace or charm, the empty bottle of champagne seemed to have got the better of him.
Spouting an unusual and off-putting story about a friend, the chat completely put Sarah off.
Have had to re-wind and re-listen to Ben and his “going Dutch spiel”
Couldn’t quite believe it the first time – the second time it sounded even worse.
Bizarre.
— Karl Cunliffe (@KDCunliffe) May 2, 2018
#FirstDates blown out Ben, take your 1980s attitude with you .
— Clucking Heck (@AmberZoe12) May 2, 2018
Sarah said: It wasn’t funnny.”
WATCH First Dates every Wednesday night, on E4, at 10 pm.