Who’ll find love on our blind date? This week it’s Della, 69 and Jak, 69

DELLA, 69

DATING PAST

I’ve had some happy relationships, but I’ve been single for eight years. I was married at 17 and we’re still friends after being divorced for 40 years. I have a few male friends but not anyone I want to spend the rest of my life with.

A few years ago I downloaded a dating app, but it’s difficult to find someone who has that spark.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

No, not at my age. I’ve lived a long life. It was great fun to dress up and have a lovely dinner date.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I arrived on time and Jak was already at the table. He looked very presentable, well-dressed and had a lovely smile.

He was polite and stood up to greet me, which was lovely. We shook hands and he made me feel comfortable, even though he didn’t have the ‘wow’ factor.

EASY TO TALK TO?

I’m a chatty person and he’s a charming gentleman. We have both travelled to similar places, such as Thailand, India and Australia, so we swapped notes on our adventures. He also shared some interesting stories about his work all over the world, which I enjoyed.

We had much in common and he is good company, and very much a gentleman; he kept asking if I had everything I needed, such as water. We felt comfortable with each other, and it was a lovely afternoon.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

None at all. He’s far too sophisticated to spill soup down his shirt.

DID SPARKS FLY?

We’re both older and I can still flirt, but he wasn’t that type of person. I think maybe I’m too active for him as I have lots of energy and I’m always on the go.

I think he leads a slightly slower pace of life. I still go to the gym, and am out on my bike and love walking on day-long treks.

I think I’d need someone who could keep up with me. He would make a lovely friend, but I didn’t feel any chemistry on my side.

Would you like to meet again?

I would meet him again, but not romantically. We swapped telephone numbers and I would like to keep in touch.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I think he liked me. He told me he’d like to see me again.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

My friends and family would get on with anyone, so yes.

Jak, 69, (pictured) is single, never married, no children 

JAK, 69

DATING PAST

Mainly because of my work in international marketing, I never settled down. I’ve had girlfriends but never a long-term partner. Since relocating to London three years ago, I haven’t met anyone.

My friends used to try to set me up, but gave up a long time ago. I haven’t used dating apps. I prefer to meet people in a more traditional way.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I was nervous as I’ve never been on a blind date before. I don’t know what got into me when I applied, but I feel I’ve nothing to lose. I wore a blazer, with a cravat and handkerchief.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I arrived first and felt even more nervous as I waited for Della. She was attractive and well dressed, wearing a lovely dress and a pearl necklace.

Della was friendly right from the start and immediately put me at ease.

EASY TO TALK TO?

She made me feel comfortable and my nerves went quite quickly.

We both like old-fashioned politeness and have a similar approach to life. We’d both visited the same places in Europe, as well as India and Thailand.

We both like jazz and walking. We laughed easily and it felt as if we’d known each other a long time. Della has achieved a lot and made me realise I still want to learn and keep achieving.

I was surprised that, since Covid, she had become a full-time companion to an elderly lady.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

Not really and even if there had been, it wouldn’t have mattered.

DID SPARKS FLY?

Yes, the chemistry was there because we decided to meet again. I escorted her to the station and made sure she was on the right train. I was shy so I didn’t want her to think I was being forward, but before leaving, she gave me a lovely kiss on the cheek.

Would you like to meet again?

Yes, we arranged to meet up in a couple of weeks.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I like her very much. I think she thought I’m relaxed, easy-going and good company.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

Oh, yes. She would shine.

Fancy a posh meal with an eligible single like you? Or would you like to play cupid for someone else? Email your — or their — details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk