‘ My trousers were too tight — it’s a while since I’ve had a date ’
DATING PAST?
LIVING at home alone throughout the pandemic was tough and it’s meant i’ve got out of the habit of dating. The last thing my mum said to me before she died was: ‘it’s time you settled down, gary.’
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I WAS excited. i’d taken an early train to london and the capital was buzzing. it was the first time i’d put on a pair of decent trousers for a while and they were a bit tight. i took the long view that it’s motivation for me to get in shape now i’m back in the dating game.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I ARRIVED ten minutes early. emma turned up on time, but i was busy on my phone. she sat down without me even noticing
her! emma’s a good- looking woman. she’s got fantastic hair. i’ve got a thing about redheads.
EASY TO TALK TO?
WE TALKED about our love of movies. we both adore Patrick swayze and are fans of dirty
dancing and ghost. emma enjoys watching love island, too, which was a relief. we’re banned from talking about it at my workplace, so it was great to discuss it with someone who knows who gemma Owen is.
That said, the conversation did dip in and out a fair few times.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
NONE, although they usually do happen to me. i turned up at the wrong funeral once (and, inexplicably, still cried over the stranger in the casket).
DID SPARKS FLY?
EMMA is a good-looking girl but i don’t think so. There was good friend chemistry but no love chemistry on my part. The experience has taught me i need to get back into shape if i want to start dating again.
SEE HER AGAIN?
UNFORTUNATELY, when i left, west london was heaving. i found a taxi and when i got in it, i turned to say goodbye to emma but i’d lost her in the crowd. i did look for her to try to wave goodbye though — sorry, emma.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’M CONFIDENT she thinks i’m a relaxed, easy- going guy. The experience was positive because it’s taught me i’ve missed dating.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE HER?
YES, she’s genuine.