A whole lotta love
PICK DAY
FIRST DATES Channel 4, 10pm IT’s the start of an incredible 11th series of the BAFTA award-winning show which offers so much more than it says on the tin.
Yes, we get to revel in the cringe factor of watching nervous people awkwardly try to flirt, or even more awkwardly try to give someone the brush-off.
And yes, we can enjoy those “there but for the grace of God” moments as we watch one of the dates start crying, or drop dinner down their top, realise they have nothing in common with the person they’ve been matched with or – even worse – used to go out with them.
But it’s the stories behind each of these hopeful singletons that elevate this show to something special.
Each time they give us a few minutes to meet the man or woman in question, see them in action, and develop our own first impressions about who and what they are, BAM, they hit us with a tale of heartbreak or bravery, or a hidden secret that turns everything on its head. It makes us realise you can’t judge a book by Deanna with her first date, Alex its cover, and all those other very valid cliches.
Those looking for love tonight include homebody Abbi, who’s more into cups of tea than cocktails, and politics student Cameron whose fashion inspiration is Cruella De Vil and parrots the politics of Maggie Thatcher.
Then there’s divorcee Deanna, 75, who brings a trolley full of snacks and treats, and stunning beautician Bianca from Bradford, who at first is overwhelmed by her date Teza’s confidence, until they learn there’s more to each other than meets the eye. If you can watch without shedding a tear, you have a heart of stone.