Blind date

Every week, we send a couple on a blind date and report back. This time, Will Koper, 26, went for dinner at The Jones family Kitchen in Belgravia, central London, with emily Johnson, 24.

Account manager Will lives in South Wimbledon, while emily, a teaching assistant, is from Merstham, Surrey. Neither has ever been married.

EMILY, 24, SAYS:

I goT to the restaurant first, but Will arrived soon after. I had been incredibly nervous beforehand. At one point, I nearly pulled out — my friends and family were more excited than I was! They are very keen for me to find a guy.

But, when I saw Will, I liked him straight away. I don’t have a ‘type’, but Will is goodlooking and similar to Jurassic World actor Chris Pratt, who I find easy on the eye. he’d also clearly made an effort with his clothes.

he immediately asked if I was nervous — it must have been obvious! I confessed to having had a gin and tonic for courage. Will said he’d had a beer, too.

he asked what I’d like to drink, then ordered the wine. I was impressed that he casually took over and, from that moment, we chatted non-stop. The waitress wasn’t able to take our order until a good hour after we’d sat down — we were too busy to glance at the menu.

We touched on work and our mutual love of dogs. Will’s got two — I have four!

he’s one of those easy-going guys you can talk to about anything. When we both confessed to a dislike of avocados, it was a moment for both of us. Will even said: ‘oK, I think I love you!’

The date was just fabulous. over the course of the evening, we found that we had a lot in common, and the hours passed too quickly. We didn’t pause for breath!

I’ve had three serious boyfriends and one short-term relationship, which I ended last November. In all of my relationships, I’ve been loyal and loving.

But I’m a tough cookie when it comes to finishing things. When it’s over, I don’t look back — to the surprise of my friends, who see me as a real romantic.

I applied for the date after a work friend urged me to, saying: ‘What have you got to lose?’

I’ve been single for six months, and had planned a break from dating. But sometimes, when you aren’t looking for something, it comes along.

I’m after someone who is adventurous and ambitious. I don’t mind what job they do, as long as they enjoy it.

I’m not materialistic, and enjoy spending time outdoors in the fresh air. Will does seem to tick all those boxes!

My four border collies matter enormously to me. The youngest didn’t like my last boyfriend and

would growl when he was around. I should have listened — she knew better than I did. Will is close to his family and that’s important to me. I put my family first, although I do have an adventurous, travelling streak. I love that Will has travelled, too.

It’s the sign of a good time when you don’t notice the hours passing. We were the last to leave the restaurant — we spent the whole night laughing!

Did we have chemistry? I’d like to think so. It grew as the night went on. Will made me laugh and the conversation flowed easily.

I do really like him and I now can’t believe that I nearly backed out of the date. The night ended with a parting kiss. We’ll definitely Puppy love? Will, Emily and one of her dogs see each other again. It was a fantastic match. LIKED? That we both admitted to a pre-date drink to calm nerves! REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 9/10

WILL, 26, SAYS:

A FRIEND put me forward for this because his sister had been on a blind date — he managed to convince me it would be a good idea! I wasn’t so much worried about the date as excited.

I could tell emma was nervous, so I said: ‘Let’s have a glass of wine.’ from then on, she relaxed and we didn’t stop talking.

All of my friends are getting married, buying a place with their partner or having children. Now I feel ready to step up to the next stage, too. I’m hoping the next person I commit to becomes the person I create a future with. emily and I both have plenty of people looking out for us — family and friends texted throughout the date, which made us laugh. We pranked her sister by sending a picture of a large, older guy, claiming it was me — our sense of humour is very similar. The conversation flowed really well. It didn’t feel like hard work. We both hate avocados — I know our generation is supposed to love them, so it’s rare to find another non-avocado eater. The restaurant was lovely. We had cheese croquettes, followed by steak. We didn’t have dessert . . . but we did order a second bottle of wine. It was a friday evening and we were having a good time — so why not? I’ve had three serious relationships and most ended well. But I’ve been single for two years and am ready to settle down.

WHEN it comes to looks, I’m very easy-going — in the past, I have said I prefer blondes, yet I seem always to go out with brunettes.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised I’m more interested in personality than looks. I am a guy who likes a woman to be high-maintenance — men will understand this. I want to be with someone who will put me in my place if necessary.

Mostly, though, I’d like to think I’m a good bet. I’m a good cook — my dad is fantastic in the kitchen and I’ve inherited that passion. I’m easy to live with and don’t mind getting stuck in with the cleaning.

I felt that emily and I got on surprisingly well. We had so much in common and bonded over our love of dogs. I was impressed: she is pretty, chatty and a nice person. I’d like to think, for a blind date, it was a perfect match. There were no awkward silences, there was real chemistry and, yes, the physical attraction was there. I do like emily and I hope the feeling is mutual.

At the end of the date, I walked her to the station. We exchanged numbers, had a kiss and I made sure she got on the train safely.

We’ve been in touch since — we’ll definitely see each other again! LIKED? Bonding over our mutual loathing of avocados. REGRETS? having another bottle of wine so that the date wouldn’t end. I regretted it the next day! COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 9/10

Interviews: Samantha BrIck

It was a perfect match – and we both love dogs!

I’d never date a man my collies didn’t like