She arrived with an overnight bag, and I joked ‘That’s forward!’

DATING PAST?

I was married to the mother of my daughters and we were together for 16 years. as time went by, we both came to the conclusion that we had different life goals and separated in 2013.

Since then, I’ve had one longterm relationship which lasted for three years until 2019.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

Some butterflies, but I think that’s a good thing as I don’t want to be over-confident or cocky.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

when I walked over to our table, a woman waved at me. It was Jane. She looked gorgeous in a short olive-coloured dress and we kissed one another on the cheek.

Jane had arrived with an overnight bag after the photoshoot and I joked, ‘overnight bag? That’s forward!’ Straight away Jane said, ‘no, it’s my yoga mat’ — a nod to my dating profile. I liked that she could give as good as she can get.

She owns a flower business so gave me some lovely flowers, which was sweet and a first for me.

EASY TO TALK TO?

Yes, we went straight for the cocktail list. we egged one another on and had six cocktails each.

Jane is well travelled and we talked about places we have visited including Bali, Sri Lanka, India and South america. we also both have a hot tub and a fire pit — make of that what you will!

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

a woman turned up at the restaurant at the same time I arrived and I thought it was Jane. In fact, it was the actress anita Dobson. Luckily, I didn’t ask if she was my blind date.

DID SPARKS FLY?

There was definitely something, but we’ll have to see. Jane is great fun and gorgeous.

SEE HER AGAIN?

Yes, we’re trying to set up another date. I’ve sent Jane pictures of my flowers, too, to show her that they made it home and how bad I am at flower arranging.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I think she liked me. apparently she had been worried about my vegan diet and that I practise yoga. I think she quickly realised I’m not a tree hugger.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?

Yes, Jane is fun, smart and tells it how it is. I like that about her.

Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK