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.
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.
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.
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.