Who'll find love on our blind date? This week it's Lydiah, 52, and Chris, 57
Every week, we send a couple out on a blind date to see if there is a spark of romance, or if sparks will fly when personalities clash.
This time, we sent Chris Zoezee, 57, to dinner at Planet Bollywood in Stoke-on-Trent with Lydiah Makusha, 52.
Chris is divorced with three grown-up children and lives in Manchester, working as a surveyor. Lydiah is a clinical research sister and is divorced with 16-year-old twins. She lives in Birmingham.
LYDIAH, 52, SAYS:
I arrived at the restaurant first and, while waiting for Chris to turn up, I watched a series of half-dressed, beer-bellied men walk in, each time hoping they wouldn’t be my date!
Then this tall, smartly-dressed man came in and I thought he wasn’t likely to be my date, but he approached me and asked if I was Lydiah — so I was hugely relieved.
Lydiah Makusha from Birmingham is a clinical research sister and is divorced with 16-year-old twins
Chris had made an effort and he obviously takes care of himself. He wore a lovely shirt and waistcoat.
From the moment we met, we got on as if we had known each other for years. We covered everything, from our children to football, work and politics.
He even showed me some pictures of his gorgeous granddaughter.
There was a lot of laughter and the waiter kept coming to take our order, but we kept having to send him away, as it took us so long to stop talking and look at the menu.
I was flirting with Chris and I think there was chemistry, but it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date.
Although I divorced two years ago, I’ve been separated for eight years and I’ve had only one relationship in that time. I haven’t been on a date in about three or four years. I registered with a few online dating sites, but haven’t met anyone yet.
I have a very rewarding job and my twin daughters are just finishing their GCSEs, so I’ve been very busy. That’s been my excuse, anyway!
Chris and I had lots in common. I enjoy walking, cycling and hiking and love the Lake District and Snowdon — he likes to walk, too. I enjoy hanging out with friends for a drink or with food and, I told him, sitting having a meal with good company is one of my favourite things to do.
We were having such a good date that I messed up the train times and, when we got to the station, I realised I’d missed the last one.
I had to book a hotel and Chris texted me constantly on his way home until he knew I was safely in my room, which was lovely.
There was lots of banter and flirting in the text messages. I stayed up until he texted to say he was home, too.
I am very bubbly and have a wicked sense of humour and, with more time on my hands now that my girls are more independent, I’m ready to meet someone.
Since I’ve forgotten what it’s like to sit down for a drink with a man, I hope there’s someone out there for me who is in the same boat.
I just want to meet someone who has their own teeth, their own hair and who can engage in conversation on a variety of interesting topics.
I’m fairly easy-going, so I get on better with people who are comfortable in their own skin and who have no issues with my skin colour.
I was born in Zimbabwe, but have been in the UK for 23 years and this is my home.
This date was a really positive experience — much better than I thought it would be.
I would love to see Chris again, although his more recent texts have been a lot more subdued than they were on the night, so I’m not sure how he feels about things.
LIKED? He’s fun and very knowledgeable.
REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
VERDICT: 10/10
Chris Zoezee, 57, is divorced with three grown-up children and lives in Manchester, working as a surveyor
CHRIS, 57, SAYS:
I’ve been single for more than ten years and haven’t had many dates in that time. I’m a real believer in ‘the spark’, but find it quite elusive. I haven’t tried online dating because I’ve been too busy with work and with my three children and my granddaughter.
But all three of my children are married now and I would love to meet an affectionate, passionate and beautiful lady who is ready for a new adventure in her life.
When I saw Lydiah, I thought she was a lovely, attractive lady with a wonderful smile. From the moment we met, we talked and laughed so much that she missed her last train home.
She has a lovely laugh and the evening was really wonderful, but sometimes when you meet someone, you know instinctively if the spark is there or not, and unfortunately I didn’t feel it.
Although she is everything I’m looking for and we had a good time, I didn’t feel it was a romantic evening. Instead, it felt like I was having dinner with a friend.
Lydiah is open-minded and honest — even when she missed her train, she laughed and quickly found a solution with no drama.
I love cooking, travelling, walking and dancing, so Lydiah and I had lots in common. It was the first time in a long time that I was able to relax and enjoy a woman’s company.
We had such a great evening and I couldn’t fault it — or Lydiah — but that spark just wasn’t there.
I gave her my number and would like to see her again as a friend. But I want butterflies in my tummy and it’s such a shame for me that they weren’t there.
The date was a really positive experience, though, and opened up in me a fresh hope for dating again.
I was born in Liberia, but grew up in Sweden, and speak five languages. I’ve lived in Manchester for more than ten years, after moving for a fresh start after my divorce. All my children live here now, too.
I am a passionate, honest and easy-going person with a big shoulder to lean on. I just need to find someone to give it to.
Lydiah is a wonderful woman and would be a catch for any man. I’m just sorry I didn’t feel any spark.
LIKED? Her honesty, openness and the way she laughed.
REGRETS? None. I really enjoyed it, but just as friends.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.
VERDICT: 8/10