First Dates host beams with delight after daughter’s Olympics exit

First Dates host Fred Sirieix was left beaming with pride after his daughter and Team GB star Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix bravely confessed that she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ moments after missing out on a medal in the 10-metre platform.

The 19-year-old, who won a bronze in the 10m synchro last week, has previously disclosed how she struggled with anxiety following her Games debut in Tokyo and almost gave up diving.

But Spendolini-Sirieix fought back tears on Tuesday as she revealed how low she really was during that period in 2021 – and why she is now just grateful to be here.

And Fred revealed how happy he was with his daughter and what he loves about her. 

‘What I love about my daughter is her positivity,’ Sirieix told the BBC. ‘Today she didn’t make it to the podium, tonight she is going to have a quiet night, and tomorrow she is back to being happy, smiley Andrea.

First Dates star Fred Sirieix (left) has spoken of how ‘proud’ he was of his ‘little girl’ and Team GB star Andrea (right) after her performances at the Paris Olympics

The French TV personality took to social media to show his support for his daughter

A tearful Andrea bravely confessed she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ just moments after agonisingly missing out on a medal in the women’s 10m platform final

The Team GB star choked back tears after her valiant effort in the 10m platform final

‘Just enjoying life, enjoying Paris, and enjoying the moment.

‘That is Andrea. And that is beautiful because it is about balance. It is about knowing who you are and making the most of life, and that is what she is doing. So I am very happy for her.’

Moments after missing out on a medal, Spendolini-Sirieix revealed she ‘didn’t want to be alive three years ago’ in a heart-wrenching interview.

It came six days after it was Fred who was the one in tears – of pride and joy – when she and Lois Toulson clinched bronze in the synchronised 10m event.

In the emotional immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s display, Spendolini-Sirieix welled up as she told the BBC: ‘Obviously it wasn’t the result that I wanted, but I’m not even upset with the competition – the girls dove amazing. 

‘They did better than me today and it’s because they work really hard. It wasn’t meant to be. Genuinely, I’m not trying to macho or anything – I’m not upset with my performance. 

‘Three years ago I didn’t even wanna be alive, so today I’m just happy I’m alive, I’m breathing and I’ve got my family to support me.’ 

The tearful Team GB star receives a big hug from her coach after missing out on a medal

Spendolini-Sirieix blows a kiss to her loved ones in the stands at the Aquatics centre

Spendolini-Sirieix missed out on a medal in the women’s 10m platform final

The 19-year-old, who is the daughter of First Dates host Fred, got off to a promising start

But the British star fell down the rankings over the five rounds on Tuesday afternoon

She added: ‘My mum said, “Just keep smiling – we love you. We’re here to see you.” At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for. ‘I just want to go see them.’

Having already claimed the bronze in the women’s synchronised 10m platform dive earlier in the Paris Olympics, the Team GB star just fell short of winning her second medal on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old got off to a promising start after her first dive scored her a 76.80, putting her fourth in the standings early on.

However, Spendolini-Sirieix’s next three rounds saw her slip down the rankings, seeing the teen slip out of the medal positions.

She would score 62.40, 64.50, 60.20 in rounds two through four before finishing off with a brilliant – and best dive – of 81.60, leaving her with a total score of 345.50. 

Spendolini-Sirieix captured the hearts of the nations when she claimed a brilliant bronze last week, leaving her famous father ‘bursting with pride’ in a post-event interview.

Spendolini-Sirieix and Lois Toulson, 24, produced a brilliant last-round dive to snatch the final spot on the podium after falling down the leaderboard following a below-par third dive.

They looked to be out of medal contention, but bounced back impressively to snatch bronze, and Sirieix was delighted for the pair as he spoke to his daughter live on the BBC after they shared a warm embrace.

It came six days after her dad was the one in tears – of pride and joy – after she won bronze 

Spendolini-Sirieix, 19, (right) and Lois Toulson, 24, (left) won bronze earlier in the Games

‘What a competition! It’s always a rollercoaster with you girls,’ Sirieix said, bringing a giggle from the GB pair.

‘You really took me around the bend and through the middle. But that last dive, that was spectacular. You knew you had to put it through and you pulled it back. It was amazing.

‘I’m in awe with what they’ve achieved. It’s an amazing journey for them, they’ve won a medal, they’ve shown their class. I’m just very impressed and very happy for you. I’m so proud, I’m bursting.’