My weekly date is a real love match

Those of you who know me well may be surprised by this. Usually, I might be offended by someone – especially him – silencing my latest monolgue on the size of Kim Kardashian's backside (I mean, it's BIG), or the latest pair of stilletos I am covetting, or why it's always me that puts the bins out.

However, when he gives me this 'look' I know exactly why he wants me to pipe down.

It's because the people on the table next to us are on a date, perhaps even a first date, and we are in for a night of free entertainment while we scoff our scampi and chips.

Being privy to a couple's first date can throw up all manner of gems, from those awkward first getting to know you questions all the way through to 'my place or yours?'. Heavens, we've even witnessed an argument or two– beats having one yourself, that's for sure.

And this is exactly what Channel 4 recognised when they commissioned First Dates, which concluded on Thursday night.

Over the last six weeks, and inside a specially-rigged restaurant, we've witnessed all manner of first dates between couples of all ages, colours (although there has been a lot of orange) and persuasions.

Some dates were an instant love match, others not so much. The twist is that after the show viewers could apply online to date the remaining singles, with the chance of being picked to appear on the show.

It's been essential viewing with one-liners so good they'd leave Jimmy Carr weeping.

There was Daniel, a 31-year-old from Aberystwyth, who'd never been on a single date before. His opening line to single mum Abigail was : 'Where is the nearest Marks and Spencers to where you live?' And they say romance is dead. He then confessed he didn't know what people talked about on dates. Erm, you probably leave the Marks and Sparkles debate to at least date two, hey Daniel.

And then there was OTT 22-year-old Rajan who was left crestfallen when his first date Amanda told him that fact he didn't dance was a 'dealbreaker'. His second date with Shaunie was even less successful. I think he's still available . .

And then there was Michelle and self-styled bad boy (read sweet mummy's boy) Lewis where the chemistry over dinner was so sizzling that their first date ended in a first kiss. It's enough to melt your heart.

But it's not all love and laughter, there are nailbiting moments too, such as when 27-year-old Leon revealed to Markus that the reason he'd been off the dating scene for a while was because he lacked confidence after contracting HIV.

Whatever the outcome of the dates, the show is the latest masterstroke in Channel 4's excellent documentaries on finding love in the modern world.

Last year they gave us the second series of The Undateables, the programme which followed people with mental and physical disabilities in their pursuit for love.

It was a sensitive, often funny and always heartwarming portrayl of people, regardless of their disability, searching for what we're all after: The One.

Anyone who tuned in to The Undateables will know it was addictive telly – leaving you with a warm and fuzzy feeling usually only reserved for Christmas after too much mulled wines. I seriously haven't enjoyed watching people fall in love on TV this much since ITV's Celebrity Love Island (when is this coming back?)

The only problem is, that with all this dating on the small screen, it looks like the other half might not get chance to silence me as much as he'd like.

Read our panel of columnists first in your Weekend Shropshire Star, every Saturday.