First Dates — Season 18

Return of the dating show in which singletons meet up with possible partners at a restaurant. First up is Carol, once a Monty Python star, who meets interior designer Keith. Could he be the leading man she's been waiting for all these years? Twenty-six-year-old Charles has never had a girlfriend and is yet to experience his first kiss. Could 22-year-old Freya be the one to change that? With a shared passion for origami, it isn't long before Charles impresses Freya with his talents.

Cake-maker and self-confessed `princess" Fiona seeks someone `chunky and funky", finding herself paired with recruitment consultant Rakim. Ex-soldier Tristan from Exeter is on a mission to find his perfect woman after being single for four years. Will beach-loving Ema get swept away by his passion for the south west? Twenty-nine-year-old Lewis - whose narcolepsy caused him to fall asleep on a previous date - is paired with DJ Thom, while lager and football-lover Jessica is introduced to fellow northerner and pub-lover Ryan.

Becky, a 22-year-old from Bristol, seeks a man who will accept her and her snake. It remains to be seen whether leather-clad Lee from London will prove to be the open-minded guy she's looking for. Paul, a 54-year-old lorry driver from Newcastle, is looking for a woman who appreciates his softer side. He is paired with three-time divorced Ruth - who it turns out is his brother's ex. Plus, primary school assistant teacher Michael struggles to control his nerves for his date with student Imogen.

Twenty one-year-old post-grad student Madeleine struggles to find guys who stimulate her mentally, and would love to meet a rugby boy who’s marriage material. She’s paired with rugby-playing Tom Hardy impersonator Ewan. Returning to the restaurant after a problem first date is truck driver Paul. His date is 50-year-old fellow Geordie Tracey. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Sophie from York seeks a man who isn’t going to ‘mess her around’.

Twenty seven-year-old single mother and dog groomer Brenna seeks a man who won’t be put off by the fact she has a daughter. She hopes to find a connection with dog-loving electrician Ross. Twenty-four-year-old party girl Tori is looking for someone to bring a bit of sparkle into her life. She’s matched with 30-year-old beautician Sophie, who’s on the lookout for a life partner. Plus, actress Alice meets 26-year-old cocktail bartender Jac, who is hoping to shake his life up a bit.

It's Valentine's at the First Dates restaurant, and there's an extra serving of romance - for broken-hearted Chris, singer twins Hazel and Brenda, and Saskia and Roisin, who can't stop flirting

Thirty two-year-old Sophie needs to find the right guy to earn her trust and tempt her away from the comforts and convenience of living with her parents. She hopes Adam from the Wirral will change her outlook on life. Connor, who owns a collection of brightly coloured ties, is introduced to fellow accessory-lover Kemis, while adventurous 73-year-old Mike is paired with fitness fanatic Coleen, a widow who is ready to meet someone to share fresh experiences with.

A look back at dates that didn't quite go to plan, from mishaps to cringe moments.

Some classic mixed doubles – from twins with mixed fortunes to a pair with a big secret

A look back at some memorable daters with secrets to share.

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