First Dates | Series 23 Preview (Channel 4)

First Dates is back! After celebrating a very special 10th anniversary last year, the world's most romantic restaurant has moved to a new stunning location in the heart of the beautiful city of Bath. 

First into the restaurant is glamorous Justine, a friend of Maitre D’ Fred. She is the owner of Fred’s favourite cafe, where he always orders a cheese and ham toastie. 53-year-old Justine’s vice in life is chocolate and hoping to melt her heart is chocolate expert, 59-year-old, Angus.

The pair bond over their similar stories: after experiencing rejection and heartbreak, raising kids and rebuilding their lives, both are ready to find love again. This is a sizzling date and cupid’s arrow finds its target with Angus. Will his compliments, hand-holding and gift of expensive chocolate hit Justine’s sweet spot? Or does Angus risk coming on too strong? 

24-year-old fashionista Lucy has never had a boyfriend. Lucy suffered a long illness which means she now uses a stoma bag, and she opens up to bartender Merlin, who has lived through a similar experience.

Lucy’s date is the moustachioed, pearl-necklace-wearing Ben, also 24. They connect over fashion, charity shops and a shared obsession with Harry Styles. Could this date lead to Lucy’s first relationship? Or is Ben just not her style? 

39-year-old hairdresser Clint admits that dates tend to find him rude (“I definitely don’t think before I talk”).

His match is long haul cabin crew Dani, also 39, who finds his jet setting job is a hindrance to settling down. They live in the same area of London and Dani recognises Clint from the neighbourhood. Love is in the air for Dani, but will a succession of hilarious foot in mouth moments from Clint leave the hairdresser facing the chop? 

Writer, Jack, bears more than a passing resemblance to his namesake Captain Jack Sparrow. He’s hoping to meet someone who makes his “arse flutter”. Enter Chloe, a singer in a rock band wearing an eye-catching leather dress.

From the moment Jack and Chloe meet and compliment each other’s eye liner, sparks fly. Jack even writes Chloe a poem… and she goes one better, performing a serenade that brings the restaurant to a standstill and leaves Jack stunned. 

First Dates returns Monday 3rd February at 10pm on Channel 4.