Daily Mail

She asked me to ‘pitch’ myself to her. It was very American

- Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK

DATING PAST

Since my divorce, i’ve had several long-term relationsh­ips but they’ve never endured.

Online dating is tricky. One woman i met was more than 3 st heavier than she appeared in her profile picture. Another i got chatting to disappeare­d for six weeks. i tend to do a lot of vetting nowadays, so this is a leap of faith for me.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

i dOn’t tend to get nervous. i did tell my mum. even though i’m a 6 ft 5 in former armed policeman, she still tells me to be careful when going on dates.

FIRST IMPRESSION­S?

i wAS sitting at our table outside for ten minutes before Shanin arrived. i won’t lie, it was freezing. i knew my date was tall so i recognised Shanin instantly. She’s got a good figure and was well dressed.

EASY TO TALK TO?

we didn’t talk about covid, but we did talk t lk a lt lot about b t Sh Shanin. i She’s acting in a new itV drama series and next year is appearing in a film. Before that she went to Harvard Law School and worked for Goldman Sachs. Shanin also has a home in Malibu, and owns a Hummer and a Porsche.

i lost my sister recently and it has hit the family hard. i’ve not dated since her death, but Shanin was a breath of fresh air.

She explained she was hoping to get a hot tub for her garden and said i’d be welcome to pop around. when i said she’d better get a big one, Shanin replied: ‘don’t worry, i can sit on your lap.’

EMBARRASSI­NG MOMENTS?

SHAnin put me on the spot asking me for a 60-second pitch summary of who i am. Fortunatel­y, i was able to hold my own.

DID SPARKS FLY?

SHAnin is a lovely woman, but i don’t think she’s the one for me.

WILL YOU MEET UP AGAIN ?

nOt at the moment, no.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

i tHink Shanin likes me. i’ve had a lot of messages from her since our date. i’ve replied politely that i don’t want to take things any further.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?

iF i fall for someone, i don’t care what my friends say.

 ??  ?? NEIL, 51 VITAL STATISTICS
DIVORCED eight years ago. Has a daughter, 13, and son, ten. CURRENT ROLE
COMPANY director in personal security.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
AN ATTRACTIVE, athletic lady, full of life and enthusiasm. I’m trying to avoid drinkers, narcissist­ic ladies and princesses.
NEIL, 51 VITAL STATISTICS DIVORCED eight years ago. Has a daughter, 13, and son, ten. CURRENT ROLE COMPANY director in personal security. WOULD LIKE TO MEET AN ATTRACTIVE, athletic lady, full of life and enthusiasm. I’m trying to avoid drinkers, narcissist­ic ladies and princesses.

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