‘ I embarrassed myself by bursting into tears ... ’

NIALL, 66 VITAL STATISTICS

DIVORCED, no children.

CURRENT ROLE

RETIRED hotel entrepreneur.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

I LIKE positive, well-travelled, funny, chatty and interesting ladies.

DATING PAST

I was married in my late 20s, but we divorced after five years. since then I’ve had several long-term relationships, the most recent of which lasted ten years. But my life has always been busy and work has taken priority.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I’m too long in the tooth to be nervous about a date. Besides, I liked the sound of my match, I thought we seemed so similar. The verdict was, ‘oh yes — she’s like me’.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KYm is a tall, attractive and interesting lady with lovely hair and a nice smile. I was impressed, and glad I’d made an effort with my appearance. my brother had told me to dress smartly in ralph Lauren chinos and a shirt. I’m a passionate gardener, so it was a bit of a change for me.

EASY TO TALK TO?

weLL, I’m talkative so that’s a yes. we covered my travel escapades. I’ve run hotels around the world as well as lived in monaco and France. I’ve even owned a vineyard near Carcassonne. I’ve also lived in Bali and Thailand. Boomers like me were living as digital nomads long ago. It gives you a different perspective on life.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

Yes, because I burst into tears. I told Kym about a family I’d met in Bali more than 40 years ago. after four days of knowing them, we built a house together in the middle of a paddy field. I used to visit them every year, but sadly the husband died a few years ago, and now his wife is seriously ill, too. my emotions got the better of me.

DID SPARKS FLY?

IT’s hard to say — I didn’t detect any smouldering chemistry. I’d say we found each other mutually attractive. we were too busy chatting to lust after one another.

SEE HER AGAIN?

I ThINK so. If I was a betting man I’d say yes, although Kym is very busy at the moment.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

ThaT I’m a bonkers version of her. we exchanged many outrageous stories.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

mY sIBLINgs are open-minded. my brother is an artist and likes quirky types, while my sister is wacky. and what’s not to like about Kym?

NIALL’S VERDICT: 8.5/10

LIKED? Kym was interesting to talk to. REGRETS? No.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.