The first of this series' couples bond over a love of Japanese culture, although nerves threaten their chances. A police detective goes on a date with a man who used to be on the force, an actor meets a journalist and Latin ballroom dancer, and an entrepreneur with a flashy exterior and even flashier car is hoping to find someone to settle down with.

Episode 1

Fred Sirieix

Merlin Griffiths

Cici Coleman

Sam Conrad

Episode 2

Season 16

Craig isn't looking for a husband, or kids, just a man he can believe in and own a dog with. Could Luke and his 'boyfriend bum' be the one? And Disney fan Holly seeks her happily ever after.

Those taking part include 23-year-old Rory, who meets 24-year-old Ella, along with 54-year-old self-confessed man-eater Caroline, who has been on 50 dates in the past two years. Tattoo enthusiast Adam returns to First Dates hoping to romance 30-year-old single mum Laura, who is yet to meet a man who accepts she has a child. Urologist Abi may know all about the male anatomy, but realises her job can scare off some men.

Episode 3

An international DJ who has learned some new things about her sexuality after a recent holiday to Ibiza now has to get to grips with London's same-sex dating scene - which is not easy when her first date is someone she previously blanked on a dating app. A man with deteriorating vision and a desire to start a family is paired with a trombone player, while other candidates include a full-time carer and a medical student looking to date outside her profession.

Episode 4

A sexual health advisor with two soon-to-be-married daughters goes looking for love, and a part-time singer enjoys an evening with a professional magician. Other visitors to the restaurant include an accountant contemplating parenthood, a car enthusiast who has been single for seven years, and a call-center worker who has yet to fall in love.

Episode 5

Interactive dating experiment in which real dates are filmed, and then viewers get the chance to apply to date the unsuccessful participants the following week.

Episode 1

Seasons26

Season 17 Episodes5

Cast4

Discussion

Episode Summary