Al Murray spotted having water fight on a swan pedalo with First Date's host Fred Sirieix in Portsmouth

COMEDIAN Al Murray has been spotted ‘duelling’ with the French host of Channel 4 dating show First Dates – on the back of a swan pedalo in Portsmouth.
The battle of Canoe Lake - Comedian Al Murray, left, throws a ball at First Dates' host Fred Sirieix, right, from his swan-shaped pedalo in Canoe Lake. Photo: Instagram/GrayinpompeyThe battle of Canoe Lake - Comedian Al Murray, left, throws a ball at First Dates' host Fred Sirieix, right, from his swan-shaped pedalo in Canoe Lake. Photo: Instagram/Grayinpompey
The battle of Canoe Lake - Comedian Al Murray, left, throws a ball at First Dates' host Fred Sirieix, right, from his swan-shaped pedalo in Canoe Lake. Photo: Instagram/Grayinpompey

The ‘pub landlord’ and his ‘opposition’, Fred Sirieix, were seen charging into battle on Canoe Lake, in Southsea, wearing Napoleonic uniforms.

Al, 53 – who hosts the Great British Pub Quiz – was recorded on Instagram scooping out balls from the lake to hurl at Fred, who was stood on a duck-shaped pedalo and returning fire with his own balls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At one point during the bizarre clash, Al could be heard shouting ‘Kiss me Hardy’ – a reference to the dying words of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson to his friend Captain Thomas Hardy during the Battle of Trafalgar.

Comedian Al Murray pictured in a Napoleonic-style uniform on a swan pedalo. Photo: Instagram/Graham CultonComedian Al Murray pictured in a Napoleonic-style uniform on a swan pedalo. Photo: Instagram/Graham Culton
Comedian Al Murray pictured in a Napoleonic-style uniform on a swan pedalo. Photo: Instagram/Graham Culton

It’s understood the pair were filming for a new programme.

Earlier, Fred was spotted visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where he marveled at Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory.

Speaking during a series of stories on his Instagram page – which is followed by more than 700,000 people – the wowed Frenchman said: ‘This is HMS Victory, Nelson’s ship. The sheer size of it, I just can’t believe how big it is. Look at this, 50 canons on each side of the ship – imagine the firepower.’

The Frenchman also spent time on Southsea seafront admiring the ‘glorious English coast’.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.