Who'll find love on our blind date? This week it's Rachel, 48, and Chris, 45, but will romance be on the cards?

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Rachel, (pictured) 48, a financial analyst

Rachel, 48

Vital Statistics

Divorced, single for five years. A four-month-old daughter.

Current role

Financial analyst and writer.

Would like to meet

A George Clooney lookalike who loves children and travel, and enjoys life.

My dating past

I didn’t find anyone serious until my mid-30s when I got married, hoping for a family. He changed his mind about children so I left him and am still single at 48. Four months ago, I had a baby girl thanks to IVF with a friend — it was a dream come true. I’m on dating sites and no one seems to mind me having a child.

Pre-date nerves?

I was excited and nervous in equal measure!

Love at first sight?

Chris was already there when I arrived at The Ivy in London. I thought he was handsome, gentlemanly and clever. He’s tall with lovely eyes and I was impressed.

Easy to talk to?

I enjoyed his company and we had a lot in common. We both had crazy stories about being in Hong Kong at the same time. I was a scuba-diving travel agent and he was a photographer so we’d have been hanging out in the same circles. We knew the same bars and restaurants and never ran out of conversation.

Embarrassing moments?

I dropped some broccoli on the table. My mum always told me I have bad table manners!

Did sparks fly?

I would have liked something to develop. But he texted me after the date and made it clear (in a nice way) that romance wasn’t on the cards. There wasn’t amazing chemistry, but we did connect. Maybe I came across as too serious, but I’m not very good at flirting. It’s easier online! I like to have a drink on a date to help me relax, but Chris told me he doesn’t drink. I did have a couple of G&Ts but I was conscious he wasn’t drinking.

Did you kiss?

Sadly no, but when we parted, he gave me a kiss on the cheek

What do you think he thought of you?

I was a bit disappointed when he said he wanted to be friends, just because we had connected so well. For me it would have been worth meeting again to see if it developed, but I respect his decision. If he does get in touch I would see him again as a friend.

Would you like to take him home to your family?

Definitely. He’s the kind of guy who would fit in anywhere and I could easily see how he would get along with my friends and family. He’s great, but I guess it’s back to the apps. I have a date lined up this week, so hopefully there will be more of a spark!

Chris (pictured), 45, a coffee company owner

Chris, 45

Vital Statistics 

Single for nine months.

An eight-year-old son.

Current Role

Coffee company owner

Would like to meet

A demure beauty with a glint in her eye, who’d be as comfortable in heels as in walking boots.

My dating past

I’ve never been married, though I have a fabulous eight-year-old son from a previous relationship. I’ve been single for about nine months, but my last break-up was a bit brutal so I’m a bit wary of women at the moment. I haven’t been online dating yet.

Pre-date nerves?

I was nervous because I’m pretty cautious of dating again and am only dipping my toe in. I wanted to get to the restaurant first and get settled before Rachel arrived.

Love at first sight?

We immediately hit it off, but I knew quickly that she wasn’t my type. I find it hard to quantify, but I like unusual, quirky-looking women — and sometimes it’s just a feeling. I was prepared to be open-minded though, as I enjoy meeting people and I realised it was actually good to not have the pressure of really fancying someone as I ease myself back into dating.

Easy to talk to?

We had lots in common, except about Brexit! She’s a Remainer and I support Leave, but we had a fantastic conversation because she really listens and is articulate without getting aggressive. We had a great connection and I don’t often meet people like that. We both lived in Hong Kong in the 1990s — we probably crossed paths. I was impressed that she decided to have a baby by herself. At our ages, it’s the norm to date people with children, but I respected her bravery to go it alone. Conversation was effortless with lots of banter and great food. It was a fantastic date.

Embarrassing Moments?

Surprisingly no, as I’m usually really clumsy.

Did sparks fly?

We settled into the friendship zone early on. Intellectually, we hit it off.

Did you kiss?

No.

What do you think she thought of you?

She wasn’t flirting and I’m sure she didn’t find me attractive so there was no pressure. We swapped numbers and have been texting ever since. I did text early on to confirm I didn’t think romance was on the cards. I’m often in London so hopefully we will meet again. I don’t want to be with someone for no reason, but it was lovely to re-engage with the dating scene.

Would you like to take her home to your family?

Absolutely. You could take Rachel anywhere. She’s brilliant company. For conversation she’s unbeatable.