Blind date DISASTER!

I realised I was sitting with my arms folded. Not a good sign...

Every week, we send out a couple on a blind date. This time, Alan Uridge went with Lesley shanley to dinner at The New Malton restaurant in Malton, North yorkshire.

Alan, 63, who lives in york, is a part-time gardener and has been married twice. Lesley, also 63, who lives in saltburn-by-thesea, North yorkshire, works part-time in a bar and has never married.

LESLEY, 63, SAYS:

I ArrIveD at the restaurant on time — Alan wasn’t there, but I’m used to being on my own. I got a drink and then he walked in.

We kissed hello and sat down. My first impression was that he was quite goodlooking and smartly dressed.

We talked about his work and he mentioned that unfortunately he has been ill. But I started to feel he was talking a lot about himself — and then he launched into a rant about the NHs. I’d rather not talk about politics on a first date.

He asked me hardly any questions, so I felt like I was working hard to instigate all the conversation. The restaurant and staff were lovely — it could have been such a nice night out — but there was no connection between us at all.

I work part-time in a hotel bar after retiring from my main job in the police some years ago. I never married or had children because I was a real career girl.

These days I love to walk my Labrador — I’m lucky enough to have the beaches and moors on my doorstep — and I look after my garden. I like all kinds of music and love going to concerts, but I do miss male company a bit.

I’ve been in lots of relationships, but have been single for a few years now. I met two people on dating sites, one of whom turned out not to be altogether truthful, so I feel a bit disillusioned. I don’t go out much socially so it’s hard to meet someone.

I had high hopes for this date, but sadly they weren’t met. It wasn’t horrendous, but by the end of the evening I realised I was sitting there with my arms folded, which isn’t a good sign! It wasn’t awkward or unpleasant, it was just — nothing. We didn’t talk about hobbies and he didn’t really engage with my life.

I was so disappointed because he had clearly made an effort with his clothes and was attractive, but the date was flat.

When he walked me to my car, I got the impression he was critical of my choice of vehicle. I have a 4x4 diesel because it’s convenient for my dog, but Alan’s concerned about global warming, so muttered something about it being a gas-guzzler. After that, I just wanted to get home.

On paper it was a good match, but it just shows you have to meet people to see if there is a spark.

I could say I’m looking for a George Clooney lookalike, but I’m not. I’m looking for someone who can make me feel good, who is thoughtful and honest.

I’ve been happy with my life despite not marrying, but have got to the age where I would love just to spend time with someone doing simple things. I do worry about why I can’t find someone, and wonder whether it’s me. But it hasn’t put me off dating and I’m not afraid of going out again. LIKES: Attractive. REGRETS: None. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

VERDICT — 5/10 ALAN, 63, SAYS:

As sOON as I walked in to the restaurant I saw someone looking at me and smiling — and I knew it was Lesley. We shook hands and kissed, but I knew immediately she wasn’t for me.

she was warm and welcoming, but she’s more of a tomboy than normally I would like.

still, she was friendly and I wanted to carry on and enjoy the evening.

The restaurant was lovely, and the food was great. There was no awkwardness, but even though I think I made her laugh once or twice, the conversation was fairly mundane.

I think initially, Lesley might have felt she had struck the jackpot. I could tell by the way she looked at me, her eyes lit up, but by the end of the evening she was less enamoured!

I’m attracted to women who are happy being feminine and not in competition with men.

I think a woman who can play to her strengths and take a bit of banter is ideal; someone who doesn’t have a problem with doing things for her man.

I like a lady to have her nails and hair done, whereas Lesley is more of a ‘take me as I am’ person.

As for me, I’m fairly interested in subjects such as global warming and the decline of our wildlife, and I take an interest in politics, more so since Donald Trump took office!

I think chemistry in romance is an overused idea — it develops as you get to know someone — but you do know if there is an attraction. If I’d met Lesley casually in a bar, I don’t think we’d have glanced at each other.

When the waiter came over and asked if we wanted coffee, she said no, as I think she was ready to leave. But I wasn’t so I called him back and ordered one for myself.

Afterwards, we walked to the car park, gave each other a peck on the cheek and left it at that.

I have been married twice, but I’ve been single for a few years with no real relationship since 2014. I tried online dating but became quickly fed up.

I’m quite sociable, but I’m finding it very difficult to meet women, as it feels like so many don’t seem to want a relationship. I think I’ll stick to going to dinner dances, as it’s always better to meet someone in person.

It’s harder now than it used to be. I think before there was a lot more fun and freedom. Attitudes have changed dramatically — I’m not sure women know what they want any more.

I was disappointed because Lesley and I weren’t on the same page. I’ve seen a bit of life and know what works for me and what doesn’t.

I just think she was the wrong person for me. LIKES: she was easy to talk to, and warm. REGRETS: None really. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

VERDICT — 5/10

I like feminine women – she’s a bit of a tomboy