‘Her 13-year-old daughter joined us, but I didn’t care’: I found out I was a match for Amanda and Nick on this week’s blind date

AMANDA, 49

Separated with two children, aged 15 and 13.

Dating someone from the past?

I was married for 14 years, but we split up over two years ago. We remain friends. I have dated three men since then, one of whom was a braggart, a completely different man than the one I thought I had been talking to. It was all very strange; I suspect he was married.

Pre-date jitters?

I was a little anxious because I knew very little about Nick. While I was waiting, a man who looked to be in his 80s walked in and I thought, “Could that be him?”

First impressions?

He wasn’t 80 years old! And yes, he was attractive and smartly dressed, in a dark blue T-shirt and trousers. He had a big smile that made him look friendly, and I knew everything was going to be okay. He told me he was nervous too, so that helped.

Easy to talk?

We come from very different backgrounds (he’s a Greek Cypriot from North London, while I’m from the West Country), but we’re both sociable and could talk about having grown up in the rave culture of the 90s.

We also talked about kids, cats, holidays and even ghosts. I used to edit a ghost magazine and told Nick about the man I once interviewed who thought his butt was haunted. Nick told me about an eerily accurate reading he’d had from a psychic, even though he’s not a true believer.

We both got off topic in conversation, which I loved. I had a great time. My 13-year-old daughter joined us at the end (she’d been shopping), but it wasn’t awkward and Nick made her feel welcome, which was lovely.

Embarrassing moments?

You are welcome.

She is looking for a quiet man with whom she can have fun and spend a holiday. She is not looking for another husband, just someone to share things with.

Did sparks fly?

It’s too early to tell, though I think we found each other attractive and there was a bit of flirting. We exchanged phone numbers and he already texted me, so maybe.

Do you see it again?

I think we’ll meet again without the pressure of having to tell a national newspaper afterwards. Something more relaxed, like a pub lunch. And without my daughter accompanying us on the date…

What do you think he thought of you?

I would be surprised if it wasn’t positive.

Would your family like it?

My daughter spent two hours with us and thought it was lovely.

NICK, 48

Separated with a 15 year old son.

Dating someone from the past?

My longest relationship lasted six years, but we split amicably three years ago. I’m still friends with my son’s mother, who I was with for four years. However, dating hasn’t been a priority lately because I’ve been too busy.

Pre-date jitters?

It’s my first official date in two years, but I tried to use my nerves as fuel.

Bus driver Nick (pictured), 48, is separated from a 15-year-old boy.

First impressions?

I was really impressed. Amanda was wearing a red dress and had a great figure; you could tell she takes care of herself and goes to the gym. From the moment we sat down, we couldn’t stop chatting.

Easy to talk?

We talked for an hour and a half before ordering food. Amanda loves to travel (and so do I) and we talked about the pros and cons of having teenage children. Obviously we come from different backgrounds, but that didn’t matter. The only thing we didn’t talk about was past relationships, which I don’t think either of us thought was a good topic for a first date. We also laughed a lot. I love it when a woman has a fabulous sense of humor.

Embarrassing moments?

Not even once.

Did sparks fly?

I don’t think so at this early stage. She was just someone I got along incredibly well with. There was no sexual chemistry, even though she is attractive, but I put that down to it being my first date in two years.

Do you see her again?

We exchanged phone numbers, but we didn’t say anything about whether we’d like to see each other again. She may have thought there was no chemistry, too, but I’m not too disappointed about that. I felt the same way. So I have no idea if we’ll go on another date, but I would like to see her again, even if just as friends.

He is looking for an independent woman with a life of her own, who does not depend on him for her happiness.

What do you think he thought of you?

I hope he says I’m easy to talk to and have good manners.

Would your family like it?

She has a very special personality. I actually got to meet her 13-year-old daughter after the date, as she was shopping nearby. In the end, we all went to a pub, which was nice and relaxed. We had a great time.

AMANDA’S VERDICT: 9.5/10

APPRECIATED? We never stopped talking; it was so much fun.

REGRETS? No.

COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.

NICK’S VERDICT: 10/10

APPRECIATED? She didn’t look at her phone even once.

REGRETS? None at all.

COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.