Amelia Dimoldenberg is ending her YouTube interview show Chicken Shop Date, according to the BBC. The 32-year-old presenter announced her departure on Instagram on Thursday, telling her followers that she plans to wrap up the digital series with a few final dates before moving on to a new adventure.
Why Amelia Dimoldenberg is Leaving Chicken Shop Date
According to the BBC, Dimoldenberg shared a handwritten note on a napkin on Instagram stating that “all good dates must come to an end.” She explained that she started the project at age 17 with the idea of potentially meeting the love of her life inside a chicken shop. Over the past years, she has interviewed high-profile artists, actors, and cultural figures while maintaining what she describes as a refreshingly awkward interview style.
“To me the show is my very own rom-com and I have loved creating so many stories for you to watch,” Dimoldenberg wrote, as reported by the BBC. She added that she never thought she would stop producing the series, believing it would be part of her forever, but ultimately decided it is time to transition to a new phase in her career.
The Evolution of the Hit YouTube Series
According to Daily Mail reporting, the concept initially launched around 2011 as a print column in a youth-run magazine called The Cut. Dimoldenberg chose chicken shops as a filming location because she wanted a setting where no one goes on dates. She transitioned the concept to video in March 2014, featuring grime artist Ghetts as her first video guest.
Over the years, the guest list expanded from the UK music scene to global superstars. Recent episodes have featured music icon Paul McCartney, pop star Zara Larsson, and late-night host Conan O’Brien, according to the BBC. Daily Mail notes that past seasons have also featured celebrity interviews with Cher, Andrew Garfield, Jennifer Lawrence, and a 10th-anniversary second date with Ghetts.
Final Episodes and Future Projects
Before closing the doors permanently, Dimoldenberg promised fans a handful of final episodes, according to BBC reports. Fans have immediately begun speculating whether long-rumored dream guest Drake might finally appear in one of the closing installments.
As she steps away from the YouTube format, Daily Mail notes that Dimoldenberg has several upcoming projects lined up. These include starring in an Amazon MGM’s Orion Pictures romcom and writing a Skins-style drama with the BBC that has yet to be green lit.
Industry Reaction to the Announcement
Celebrities, creators, and media figures flooded the comments section of Dimoldenberg’s Instagram announcement to praise her cultural impact, according to Daily Mail and BBC coverage. Author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day called the exit “the quintessential power move,” while Diversity dancer Perri Kiely praised her for paving the way. Broadcaster Jamie Laing and rapper Tinie Tempah also shared congratulatory messages.
Did you know? The video interview for Chicken Shop Date was filmed in March 2014 with rapper Ghetts, a video that has since accumulated over 1.3m views on YouTube, according to Daily Mail reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chicken Shop Date start?
The concept began as a print column in 2011, while the video series launched on YouTube in March 2014, according to Daily Mail.
Who was Amelia Dimoldenberg’s first guest?
Grime artist Ghetts was the first guest on the video version of the show in 2014, as reported by Daily Mail.
What are Amelia Dimoldenberg’s next projects?
According to Daily Mail, she plans to star in an Amazon MGM’s Orion Pictures romcom and is writing a Skins-style drama with the BBC.
What was your favorite episode of Chicken Shop Date over the last 12 years? Let us know in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment updates.