Ah, romance. That age-old pursuit of connection, often messy, frequently awkward, and occasionally heartwarming. Channel 4’s First Dates returns with a fresh batch of hopeful singles ready to roll the dice in the name of love (or at least a decent dinner). Airing Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 PM, episode five of season 23 offers a particularly eclectic mix, featuring a retired sports car driver, a ballroom dancer with high standards, and a dominatrix with a penchant for foot worship. The potential for cringeworthy moments and genuine sparks is high.
Among the pairings, 54-year-old Johnny, a former speed demon of the racing world, hopes to find a partner who can keep pace with his fast-paced life. He’s paired with 49-year-old Snieguole, a ballroom dancer looking for a man “with balls, who won’t be scared of me.” Will their date waltz into a love match, or will it stall out at the starting line? Meanwhile, school caretaker Dominic and animal charity worker Beth bond over their shared love of camper vans, offering a potential glimpse of a more down-to-earth connection.
But perhaps the most intriguing pairing of the night involves Rebecca, a model for an adult TV channel, and Mak, a fitness photographer. Rebecca’s side hustle as a dominatrix specializing in foot worship adds a, shall we say, unique dimension to the date. Will Mak be able to handle Rebecca’s, um, talents, or will he run for the hills? As always, First Dates observes the delicate dance of first impressions, offering viewers a mix of relatable anxieties, unexpected humor, and the occasional, surprisingly sweet moment of genuine connection.
First Dates airs Mondays at 10:00 PM on Channel 4.
