STEVE’S VERDICT: 7.5/10

LIKED? Her love of cocktails. REGRETS? No, I’m glad I’ve done it. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

DATING PAST

Over the years, I’ve had a couple of serious relationships. I have full custody of my daughter and in her childhood I decided to take a break from dating to focus on her, as well as my work. I’ve been dating for a couple of years now, but nothing serious.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

On a scale of one to ten, I was ten for nerves. This is so far out of my comfort zone. But I don’t want to have any regrets later in life, so why not? My daughter thinks I’m crazy for taking part, though.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

When Gemma arrived, I stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She was attractive and bubbly, walking in with lots of energy and a big smile. I particularly noticed her hair looked good. I think I gave her a compliment on her dress and told her she looked nice. I’m not sure if she appreciated it, although I think all women like to be told they look good.

EASY TO TALK TO?

YeS, absolutely. Posh restaurants are not my thing. I’m a simple type when it comes to food, so I ordered a burger and fries. as we were in an upmarket place, I ate it with a knife and fork.

I noted that Gemma ordered the most expensive dish on the menu, and worked her way through five cocktails, too, although she never once seemed drunk. I stuck to just one beer because I can say silly things at the best of times.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

PrOBaBlY ordering Gemma the strongest cocktail on the menu by mistake. She nipped to the loo and said I should order something to surprise her. I made it clear I wasn’t trying to get her drunk.

DID SPARKS FLY?

There wasn’t much flirting going on. She was a nice woman and I thought she looked well presented, I just didn’t fancy her. But we had a nice meal.

SEE HER AGAIN?

PrOBaBlY not. We didn’t exchange contact details.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I’d lIke to think she enjoyed my company. When we left, I gave her a kiss on the cheek.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?

YeS, Gemma is an attractive woman and has lots of energy.