Claire, 53, (pictured), a part-time beauty therapist has been single for three years
CLAIRE, 53
Relationship History
The father of my twins left when they were two, 20 years ago, and we haven’t seen him since.
I’ve had a one-year relationship since, and another which lasted three years. But I’ve been single for three years now.
Pre-date nerves?
No. When I left school, I worked in garages before getting a job selling advertising space in Auto Trader, so I’m used to male banter. I dressed up in a smart navy dress as I wanted to feel good.
First impressions?
Neil had the most welcoming smile. I knew immediately he was going to be great company — even though he wasn’t perhaps my usual type as I tend to go for bigger men. I liked that he was smartly dressed in shirt and trousers, though.
Easy to talk to?
We got on like a house on fire. We had an intense chat about music from the 1980s and 1990s — I even remember listening to his radio show on Capital FM back in the day. We both have wonderful daughters, and he is an interesting guy. In fact, it almost felt like we were old friends getting together.
His work now, as a podcaster, is really fascinating. He’s even invited me to come on his radio show in Kingston-upon-Thames to talk about the book I’ve written on the menopause.
He’s a DJ and I used to listen to his radio show
Admittedly, he’s not as active as me, but he is an amazing conversationalist. We had lots of laughs as he told me funny stories about working in radio.
Embarrassing moments?
Not at all.
Did sparks fly?
I didn’t think there was any chemistry, and he didn’t appear to be flirting. We just clicked like old friends. He was the best company.
Would you like to meet again?
Yes, definitely. I feel I’ve made a new friend and we’re excited about collaborating on work together.
What do you think he thought of you?
We were very honest and had lots in common, so I think he enjoyed my company.
Would your family and friends like him?
Neil, 53, (pictured) has been single for five years and is a radio presenter, DJ and podcast producer
In typical Neil style, not wanting to leave my daughters in the rain when they came to meet me, he dashed outside to invite them in for a drink, which was so kind. They thought he was lovely. He would get on with anyone.
NEIL, 53
Dating past?
I’ve had a number of long-term relationships, but never managed to get married. In the past I have tended to be a bit of a rescuer, solving problems rather than being an equal partner. I don’t really do internet dating — it makes for good stories on the radio, but isn’t useful in real life.
Pre-date nerves?
I’m a radio presenter so I can chat without being nervous. I wanted to make an effort so I wore my posh shirt and shiny shoes
First impressions?
I was ten minutes fashionably late (traffic) so Claire was there first. I thought ‘Wow’ as she was lovely, so warm and friendly. It wasn’t as if hearts swelled out of my eyes like a cartoon character, but I was delighted to see she was sartorially classy and attractive.
Easy to talk to?
Claire is personable. We talked about everything, like old friends catching up. We chatted a lot about music, which is great. We also talked about her business and I’d be happy to interview her on my show. I’m not embarrassed at all talking about the menopause.
I have a small business helping to create podcasts, and one of my clients teaches women how to thrive through the menopause.
Embarrassing moments?
Her daughters came to pick her up, so we all had a drink
No, thankfully I didn’t do my usual trick of spilling or breaking something.
Did sparks fly?
I’m not sure that sparks flew, but she was enjoyable company and we never ran out of things to say. She was able to keep up with my jokes, which made it all the more fun.
I don’t think she was flirting and I wasn’t either — we just enjoyed each other’s company. After lunch, we went for coffee and her daughters came in. It was lovely to meet them.
Would you like to meet again?
We parted with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to keep in touch, which we are doing.
What do you think she thought of you?
She did say it was in her top ten dates, so either I’m a great guy or she’s dated some monsters.
Would your family and friends like her?
Yes, she’s easy to get on with.