Shanin, 50 (pictured) is an actress who has been single for two years
SHANIN, 50
Dating Past
I was with my sons’ father from the age of 19, but we split each time I discovered I was pregnant, so I raised my boys on my own.
I’ve had a few relationships since, but I always end up with the wrong guys.
Pre-Date Nerves?
I don’t normally get nervous, but I was a little. My sons want me to meet someone, so they were excited when I told them about the date. I decided to go for a sexy look with white skinny jeans, and a red jacket, finished off with sparkly heels.
First Impressions?
Neil looked striking and handsome. He was already at our table and stood up when I walked over. We met at Ibérica Restaurant in Victoria, central London, which has an outside terrace.
I’m a stickler for good footwear, but Neil was so charismatic I didn’t peek at his shoes for an hour. I was delighted to see he was wearing Jimmy Choo lace-ups.
Easy To Talk To?
Neil is a witty raconteur and made me laugh a lot. He used to be an armed protection officer in the Met police and looked after Margaret Thatcher.
I could have kicked myself for asking about Neil’s siblings as he lost a sister recently. It was difficult for him to talk about it, which I understand as I lost both my sister and mum last year.
Embarrassing Moments?
He kissed me — I’m afraid I was smitten there and then
When we left, we decided to go for a walk to pick up Neil’s car in Knightsbridge. I almost tripped; because of all lockdowns I’m not used to walking in heels. Luckily, I had a pair of slides to change into.
Did Sparks Fly?
When we parted ways, he gave me the softest peck on the lips. I’m afraid I was smitten there and then! He’s tall, handsome, funny, polite and courteous. We exchanged numbers and have been in touch since our date.
Will you meet up again ?
I hope so soon. I’m away filming a TV series at the moment. Neil is also grieving, so I’ll give him some space.
What do you think he thought of you?
That I’m a crazy loud American. I made him laugh when he said all Americans are loud. I replied: ‘We’re not, we’ve just got big lungs!’
Would your friends like him?
Definitely. Neil is kind, funny and tall. He’s also good with one-liners.
Neil, 51, (pictured) is a company director who got divorced eight years ago
NEIL, 51
Dating Past
Since my divorce, I’ve had several long-term relationships but they’ve never endured.
Online dating is tricky. One woman I met was more than 3 st heavier than she appeared in her profile picture. Another I got chatting to disappeared for six weeks. I tend to do a lot of vetting nowadays, so this is a leap of faith for me.
Pre-Date Nerves?
I don’t tend to get nervous. I did tell my mum. Even though I’m a 6 ft 5 in former armed policeman, she still tells me to be careful when going on dates.
First Impressions?
I was sitting at our table outside for ten minutes before Shanin arrived. I won’t lie, it was freezing. I knew my date was tall so I recognised Shanin instantly. She’s got a good figure and was well dressed.
Easy To Talk To?
We didn’t talk about Covid, but we did talk a lot about Shanin. She’s acting in a new ITV drama series and next year is appearing in a film. Before that she went to Harvard Law School and worked for Goldman Sachs. Shanin also has a home in Malibu, and owns a Hummer and a Porsche.
I lost my sister recently and it has hit the family hard. I’ve not dated since her death, but Shanin was a breath of fresh air.
She asked me to ‘pitch’ myself to her. It was very American
She explained she was hoping to get a hot tub for her garden and said I’d be welcome to pop around. When I said she’d better get a big one, Shanin replied: ‘Don’t worry, I can sit on your lap.’
Embarrassing Moments?
Shanin put me on the spot asking me for a 60-second pitch summary of who I am. Fortunately, I was able to hold my own.
Did Sparks Fly?
Shanin is a lovely woman, but I don’t think she’s the one for me.
Will you meet up again ?
Not at the moment, no.
What do you think she thought of you?
I think Shanin likes me. I’ve had a lot of messages from her since our date. I’ve replied politely that I don’t want to take things any further.
Would your friends like her?
If I fall for someone, I don’t care what my friends say.
Would you like us to find you a date? Fancy a posh meal with an eligible single like you? Or would you like to play cupid for someone else? Email your — or their — details and a photo to blinddate@dailymail.co.uk