LAUREN, 32 VITAL STATISTICS
SEPARATED for six months, with three children aged three, six, and 12.
CURRENT ROLE
BEAUTY therapist and business owner.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
SOMEONE athletic, funny and not too self-centred.
DATING PAST?
I settled down at an early age and started my family almost straight away. I was with my ex for eight years, and we were married for five.
since we split last July, I’ve been on a couple of dates but they were both disastrous. I walked into a restaurant to meet a guy and the sole fell off my shoe. then, just before the second lockdown, I met a date for a meal and on the way home, my car broke down on the motorway. I didn’t get in until 1am.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I’ve never had a virtual date or been on a blind date before, so I was nervous. Mum knew I was doing this — she was looking after the children — and my friends wanted a full report. My worst nightmare was the children knocking on the door during the date.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
sIMon seemed so happy and friendly, he instantly put me at my ease. I wore leggings and a jumper, while simon had on a t-shirt and jeans.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Yes, simon is fascinating. He owns the farm where the tv series the darling Buds of May was filmed and hires it out for weddings and conferences. And he’s in a Coldplay tribute act. I like the band and thought it was a cool job. He also runs a social media company.
simon did make me laugh — he’s a hoot. He showed me a picture of himself dressed up as elton John for a talent show. I love fancy dress and he made a very good elton.
When one of his dogs came into his office, he suggested we go for a dog walk together at some point.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I HAd to plug my iPad into the electric socket because the battery was flat, so the camera was initially looking upwards highlighting my nose and neck which isn’t flattering for anyone! Fortunately, simon didn’t laugh.
DID SPARKS FLY?
sIMon has a fantastic personality. I connected with him. We only stopped talking after two-and-a-half hours because Mum sent me a text saying my youngest was ready for bed.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
I’d Be happy to, you can’t fault simon.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
A gIrlFrIend asked the same question. the date lasted a while so that’s a good sign, right?
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
Yes. He’s easy to get on with and laid back, too.
My worst fear was the children knocking on the door during the date