We sent these four women on a date with Britain’s Manliest Man — so which ended with a KISS?
He HAS been on more than 100 dates — but says he’s been in love just once. So last month, unlucky romeo Alun Pepper, who has been voted Britain’s Manliest Man, turned to Femail to help him find The One.
We were inundated with letters from women who thought they might just be his Juliet. And it’s little wonder he proved so popular, for 46-year-old Alun is no average singleton. He’s a sporty adventurer who earns £70,000 a year as a flight lieutenant and, after surviving testicular cancer, now campaigns to raise awareness of the disease.
He loves skydiving, climbing and kickboxing — but that’s not to say he’s all macho, he also practises yoga and is a trained masseur.
yet he admits to being ‘arrogant’ in the past and confesses that friends accuse him of being too fussy in love. So would he be tempted by any of our four specially selected dates? Or would they find Britain’s Manliest Man too much to handle?
ALUN, 46, SAYS:
YOU might think I sound like an unbearable tough guy, all gung-ho testosterone, and yes, I have been a bit of a lothario in the past, but I’m quite old-fashioned when it comes to love. I just want to meet someone naturally, feel that spark and have it develop slowly.
While I don’t have a set age for a date and don’t think I’m quick to judge, I admit I wouldn’t want to settle down unless it was with the right woman. I’m comfortable in my own company and don’t need anyone else, but it would be nice to share my life.
Ironically, my Manliest Man tag — something I find a bit ridiculous — hasn’t helped me in my quest for love. The only reason I won was because I had survived cancer.
In 2006, I found a lump on my right testicle and went straight to the doctor. I had it removed and started a short dose of chemotherapy. Thankfully, because I caught it early, I am now completely clear. It was all such a success that I can still have children — and would like to.
And so, after 100 unsuccessful dates and still eager to meet my own Miss right, I sought help from Femail . . .
Date 1: HE’S A TRULY LOVELY GUY WHO MADE ME LAUGH
ELAYNE COUSINS, 40, has been single for a year. a mother to two boys, aged four and two, she lives in cambridge. We sent Elayne and alun to le caprice in london. She says:
ON PAPER, Alun sounds like the perfect man. And we are a good match, as I’m also sociable and active and have a great job in the City. But I also have two little boys who are my priority.
I was nervous when I arrived at the restaurant, but once I settled down, we had a blast.
I’ve dabbled with online dating — who hasn’t? — but I always know instantly if there’s any chemistry, and while I was attracted to Alun, my instincts told me he was the kind of man who needed lots of attention, and that wouldn’t work because of my children. I could tell this wasn’t going anywhere.
Alun didn’t pay me enough attention, so I knew he wouldn’t pay my boys attention either. I stepped back and tried to be friendly rather than flirty.
Alun needs someone child-free, someone who won’t impact on his lifestyle.
He’s been single for so long, which made me a little wary, but I just think he may be quite set in his ways.
After all, he is 46 and has no real commitments or ties. And while he says he wants to settle down, I think he is holding out for a woman who, at our age, simply may not exist.
Near the end of the night, I told him that he wasn’t my cup of tea, and he made a circular motion around his face, saying: ‘How can you not love this?’ That did make me laugh!
Dating with kids is easier in some ways because there’s no biological clock ticking, so I’m just not prepared to settle for second best.
At the end of the night, we agreed that having a good friendship was better than we could have expected. He is a truly lovely guy. LIKED? Personality. REGRETS? No. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab. SCORE: 8/10
ALUN’S VERDICT:
Le CAPRICE was very romantic with soft lighting — quite full-on for a first date.
elayne and I laughed lots and talked seriously, too, at times. She is hilarious and we became very comfortable with one another quite early on — maybe a little too comfortable, as we slipped into the ‘best mates’ zone really quickly.
But I obviously fancied her as she’s a gorgeous girl, and I liked that she was driven by her career and her sons.
I could never rate a lady — I’m too much of a gentleman for that, I hope! — but it was a great evening, and I’d love to see her again in Cambridge.
Date 2: THERE WAS AN INSTANT SPARK
Giuliana Giacomini, 38, lives in Stockport. Single following a long-term relationship, she works in the media for a Premier league football club. We sent Giuliana and alun to Diciannove Restaurant & Wine Bar in london. Giuliana says: My dating history is a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve been single for more than a year and now feel a bit despondent.
While it’s important that I feel physical attraction, it’s even more vital that there’s a connection. I’m really interested in fitness and healthy living, so when I saw Alun’s article I just thought, why not?
We exchanged text messages before the date, which helped to break the ice, and I decided to wear a grey fitted dress that’s always attracted compliments. Alun had a drink waiting for me at the bar and I instantly felt at ease.
yes, he’s handsome and I fancied him, but it was our rapport that made him so attractive to me.
We sat down, ordered some wine and relaxed. Alun was very good at asking me questions and giving me compliments.
Afterwards, we went to a bar nearby. We just laughed loads! The chemistry was palpable.
Alun walked me to my hotel and we had a lovely lingering kiss on the lips.
He seemed so genuine and mature — and I enjoyed the flirting. By the end of the night, we were sitting closer together.
I hinted that I loved massages and that maybe he would give me one some day, as he’s qualified.
It just felt right to end the night with a kiss. But I didn’t expect more than that — and wouldn’t have offered more either!
We’ve texted since. I would be really disappointed if I didn’t see him again. LIKED? Handsome and very easy to talk to. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. SCORE: 9/10
ALUN’S VERDICT:
GIULIANA is very attractive. I like brunettes so she’s definitely my type physically.
Being northern, we clicked pretty much straight away with similar senses of humour. She works in football and enthralled me with work stories.
There was good chemistry and
we shared a little goodnight kiss at the end of the date.
She’s invited me up to Manchester, and I’d like to see her again.
Date 3: WE HAD SO MUCH IN COMMON
Monika anton, 41, lives in Colnbrook, Berkshire, and is a yoga teacher. She has been single for a year. alun and Monika met for brunch in notes coffee shop, before going to the national Gallery. Monika says: I felt that Alun and I would have lots in common — I’m a qualified yoga teacher and worked in the travel industry, so have seen the world and speak several languages.
Normally I’m confident, but I have to admit I was nervous this time. Alun was late as he got lost, so I was able to tease him about being a bad navigator for a pilot.
I found him very handsome — a bit like actor Hugh Jackman — but it was his intelligence that really grabbed me. I felt that I was in the presence of my intellectual match.
I tend to read people quite well and could tell it wasn’t natural for Alun to let his guard down — yet I think he saw that I ‘got’ him. It all just felt so natural.
As for flirting, our hands brushed a few times. If Alun had been more overt, I definitely would have responded.
I’m not put off by Alun being such a serial dater, but I do think he has a ‘type’ of woman and I — unfortunately — am not it. He seemed to like brunettes.
Perhaps, though, Alun does not know what he wants. Maybe he should meet up with women more than once before deciding.
that said, I think I surprised him with my knowledge of languages and the fact that we had both trained in thai boxing.
the setting was perfect for a date, walking through art history — intellectual chemistry, which we had in spades, is very sexy!
When we parted, he kissed me on both cheeks. We’ve been in touch since, but I’m traditional. I believe a man has to make the first move. LIKED? His ruggedness and his mind. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. SCORE: 8/10
ALUN’S VERDICT:
eMbArrASSINgly I was late, which, as a navigator and a man, is very poor form.
the setting was far more relaxed, and better for a first date. Monika was good looking and really interesting — she speaks five languages fluently, which puts my attempts to learn Japanese to shame!
Intellectually, there was a real spark between us. but I’m not sure there was a romantic spark.
We’ve swapped a few messages and I would like to stay in touch.
Date 4: HIS CHARM PUT ME AT EASE
Joanna Merryweather, 45, is divorced and works as cabin crew for British airways. She lives in nottinghamshire. we sent Joanna and alun for lunch at the ivy, in London. She says: I HAve been single for about a year, but physically, I’m more confident now than I ever have been.
I take pride in my appearance — I obviously have to be very presentable for work, but I also spend time at the gym and do hot yoga to keep fit.
When I read Alun’s story, I really empathised with him about losing heart while dating, and felt I should at least email.
I would love to have someone to curl up with on the sofa and watch Netflix, but when it comes to dating, I try not to have any preconceptions in the early days — I take each one as an experience to be enjoyed. Who knows where it might lead in the future? I was really nervous as I arrived for my date with Alun, but as soon as I saw him it was OK.
He was very charming and stood up to give me a kiss on each cheek. there was easy banter and we were laughing very quickly.
We have flying in common, and I found him really easy to talk to and approachable.
I liked him a lot, in fact. Despite having been on 100 dates, he didn’t come across as a cad.
I wouldn’t judge him for his history — he’s obviously looking for that special someone and isn’t prepared to compromise. I can’t blame him for that!
I thought Alun was a very good looking man and had a lovely time with him. We were at the restaurant for quite a while and at the end we ordered petit fours.
We actually have friends in common, too — I have a pal whose husband was in the rAf and knows Alun, we realised — so we said we’d keep in touch. Whatever happens, I was just happy to meet Al and possibly make a new friend. LIKED? He had a lovely smile and I felt very at ease. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. SCORE: 9/10
ALUN’S VERDICT:
JOANNA is extremely personable. I guess as cabin crew she is used to putting people at ease — she had just landed from Singapore when we met up.
We were familiar with each other’s worlds, and although there was not so much laugh-out-loud banter, it was very comfortable — we were in the Ivy after all! It felt the most relaxed of all the dates.
but while I found her very attractive, I’m not sure there was any chemistry.