First Dates viewers in tears as couple in their 90s find a connection

14 February 2024 , 21:30

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First Dates viewers in tears as couple in their 90s find a connection

Fans of Channel 4’s First Dates admitted they had been left in tears by a special Valentine’s Day episode that featured two elderly singletons.

The hit dating show has been on air for over a decade - first hitting screens via Channel 4 back in 2013 and showing a number of participants falling in love over a dinner date. For the 2024 Valentine’s Day special, viewers were charmed by 90-year-old army veteran Ronald who was matched with 91-year-old widow Iris for their blind date.

Arriving at the First Dates restaurant, Ronald wasted no time trying to woo his date - bursting in to song to serenade her. The hopeful gave a rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic You Make Me Feel So Young - causing Iris to beam with happiness. Other diners in the restaurant were also won over by the performance, with many stopping mid-meal to watch Ronald sing and clutching their chests in joy.

Iris and Ron were a hit on Channel 4's First Dates (Channel 4)

Viewers got to know Ronald and Iris over the course of the episode - with the pair opening up about their lives and experiences. Before he met Iris, Ronald revealed he had previously been married for 40 years. He feared he might not be able to find a partner on his own, and confessed to cameras: “Being here probably is my last chance.” Considering his date, he added: “If she’s young at heart, she can have my heart.”

Iris admitted she was somewhat unlucky in love herself. She confessed to the camera: “I'm always up for a little bit of romance but it never seems to happen. They can be old and decrepit but they don't have to show it all the time.” She also revealed that she had her outfit ready for ten years before wearing it on the show as she had been holding off to sport it on a date.

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Viewers also saw the pair flirting. Ron introduced himself to Iris as “Rocket Ron” and she cheekily quipped: “Or do you mean Ron the Rocket?” They went on to bond over a love for Italian food - and conversation turned to their past loves, both learning that they had each been through 40 year marriages before being losing their other halves. Towards the end of the episode, Ron said to camera: “There is someone for everybody out there in the world. I'd love a Valentine, even if only for a day.”

Many viewers tuning in confessed they had been left emotional by the touching scenes. One fan wrote on X: "The older couple make me want to cry." Another typed: "90 and 91. I'm actually feeling all emotional bless them." Another viewer wrote: "The older couple on First Dates, I'm sobbing." Many were impressed by Ron's singing skills, with one writing: "Ronald is a pure legend, love him." And another typed: "If this 90-year-old finds a date there is hope for us all yet."

Mirror.co.uk