Cupid’s arrow has truly hit its mark with this dating show
Imust admit I was slightly wary of Channel 4’s motives back in 2012 when it introduced its dating show for people with disabilities and learning difficulties, The Undateables.
It didn’t help that at that time Channel 4 was busying itself with turning travellers and benefits claimants into figures of hate and/or fun.
As a programme title, I thought The Undateables could easily be seen as judgmental by anyone who missed the subtlety of the “un” being shot away by Cupid’s Arrow in the opening credits. Also, having grown up in an era in which the BBC’s 1989 film John’s Not Mad was seen by many – myself included - as a comedy rather than a serious documentary about Tourette’s, I felt The Undateables seemed to focus too eagerly on the quirks and eccentricities of the people taking part. Five years and six wonderful series down the road, I now realise I needn’t have worried.
The Undateables is quite simply the most uncynical, joyful and uplifting programme on British TV.
It has even replaced Long Lost Family at the top of my list of shows that are guaranteed to make me cry. Plus, unlike Davina’s family reunions, The Undateables provides countless intentional laughs along the way.
It never fails to amaze me how people struggling with so-called learning difficulties can actually teach us all a thing or two about love and life.
And even though the budgetary consequences of last year’s Great British Bake Off spending splurge must surely hit home at some point, I really hope that Channel 4 plans to continue this noble quest for romance until every last match has been made.