Will romance be on the cards for the latest of Mail’s Blind Dates hopefuls?

ALLY, 27

Dating Past

I’ve had one long-term relationship, which finished after four years. Since then, nothing serious. Now I’m approaching 30 and feeling the pressure to meet someone.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Absolutely. Going on a date with someone via an app means you know a bit about them and what they look like, but on this date, I really was going in blind.

First Impressions?

Jake is good-looking and friendly. He was wearing a cool graphic T-shirt and had a beard, which I find attractive. He came in for a hug, but because of the table configuration, I couldn’t get out to stand up. It was awkward, one of those moments you think about for the rest of the date.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, because we’re both twins. It’s so interesting comparing what the world is like when you have a twin in it. We agreed that we’d be lost without them.

Jake used to be a chef, so he knew his way around the menu. We both had fish, followed by sticky toffee pudding. He ordered us a lovely bottle of white wine, too, which went perfectly with the main.

Embarrassing Moments?

Apart from the awkward table kiss hello? Nope, I don’t think so.

Did Sparks Fly?

Not romantically, no. Jake talks a lot about himself, but I suspect that comes with his career — first as a chef and now a DJ. We did get on well and went for a drink after dinner. But I was surprised that Jake suggested it, because there was no physical chemistry between us, despite me finding him attractive. For me, the evening we shared felt platonic.

See him again?

I’d go for a drink with Jake as a friend. To me, it was obvious we didn’t connect in a romantic way. That’s not to say Jake isn’t cute, but it would have been nice if he’d asked me a bit more about my life.

What do you think he thought of you?

I don’t know! Jake is very hard to read.

Would your friends and family like him?

Jake is quite outspoken, and very loud; loud enough that people stared at us. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him — but there is a time and a place for sharing your view. But he’s friendly, so I expect my family would like him.

JAKE, 25

Dating Past

I’ve had one long-term relationship. It lasted three years, and while we had a good time together, we wanted different things. Since then, I have a swipe on the apps when I’m bored, but you have the same conversations with people over and over. My twin brother is about to become a dad — that’s something I’d like in the future.

Pre-Date Nerves?

I’d like to say no, but it wouldn’t be true. My family are keen for me to settle down now. My aunty even bought me some aftershave for Christmas ‘to wear on dates’.

First Impressions?

Ally was already seated at our table, so we had a hug — it was a mutual greeting.

What was she wearing? Oh God! A pink top and a skirt, or a dress. I didn’t fancy her, but I did notice she had lovely eyes.

We went straight for the menu and got very organised about what we were having, which I liked.

Jake, 25, has been single for four years and has no children. He wants to meet someone he can ‘take home to his family’

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, we bonded over being twins. No one else understands what it’s like: you’ve got a best friend and don’t need anyone else in your life.

We also talked about what we look for in a partner. I can’t remember what Ally said — I do feel a bit guilty about that. I was clear about wanting to be with someone who has their own life.

Embarrassing Moments?

I asked the waiter where the loos were and someone at the next table shouted: ‘Over there.’ Were they eavesdropping on our date?

Did Sparks Fly?

Well, I didn’t want to rip her clothes off. That said, you just can’t tell after one date. We were together for a lovely three hours, though.

See her again?

I’m still unsure about my feelings towards Ally. I like her, but I didn’t get that instant pull of physical attraction. I would see her again, but it probably wouldn’t be with any romantic intentions.

What do you think she thought of you?

It’s so hard to say. I don’t shut up, that’s my problem. I don’t think I was blathering on, but I can talk about myself a lot. And, no, she didn’t say anything about it on the date.

Would your family like her?

Yes. Ally is confident and knows what she wants.

ALLY’S VERDICT: 5/10 

LIKED? We got on well.

REGRETS? No, it was nice to meet Jake.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab

JAKE’S VERDICT:

LIKED? We talked the whole time.

REGRETS? Not really.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.