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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Little Mix fans floored as they recognise familiar face on First Dates Hotel

Little Mix fans were in for a surprise this week after spotting Leigh-Anne Pinnock's mum on Channel 4 dating show First Dates Hotel.

History teacher Debbie was seen searching for love on the blind dating show, which jets singles off to a luxury resort in Italy.

During the show, the mother-of-three soon opened up about her close relationship with international girl band member Leigh-Anne.

Despite airing this week, the episode appeared to have been filmed around three years ago, with Debbie referring to Leigh-Anne, who is now 30, as a 27-year-old.

Admitting she was hoping to meet ‘the man of my dreams’ at the First Dates Hotel, Debbie called her famous daughter for a catch-up before meeting her mystery man.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock and her Mum - Deborah Thornhill (REX)

The Shout Out To My Ex singer quizzed her mum on what she planned to wear for the date and said: “I've got a good feeling about this mum – it's gonna be good.”

Debbie was paired with stationery sales manager Rob and the duo hit it off in the romantic setting, with the latter slightly taken by her famous connection, before she insisted they are a ‘normal family’.

Debbie explained: “She doesn't get the singing voice from me, but I love singing. Since she's been a pop star we've had some really good fun, we've been on tour and gone to America and it's been fun.

“I'll never ever get over being the mum of a pop star, I love it. But I need to be normal to keep Leigh-Anne normal. She's a global star, but is always gonna be my baby.”

She continued: “We're so lucky that she's done so well, but that's her life and everyone else gets on with their life.

“She is famous, but she's a normal girl underneath and we're a normal family.” (Channel 4)

“She is famous, but she's a normal girl underneath and we're a normal family.”

Rob didn't appear to be fazed by the fame and the following day the pair even shared a kiss during the episode.

The First Dates Hotel later hinted that their romance continued upon their return to the UK as it was revealed: “After finding love in Italy, back home, Rob and Debbie’s romance continued.”

However, it’s unknown how their romance continued to progress in the outside world, as the episode was filmed a few years ago.

Eagle-eyed viewers of the show took to Twitter to share their shock at Debbie's appearance, as one questioned: “Oh my god. Leigh-Anne's mum was on first dates?”

“Will be watching for u queen,” one person tweeted, as another wrote: “Look at you gooooo.”

First Dates Hotel is available to watch on All 4.

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