‘She’s a Chelsea fan, but you can’t have everything!’: Find out if it’s a match for Naay and Brad on this week’s Blind Date
NO, 27
Single, no children.
Dating history
I was in a relationship for three years until about a year ago and have only dated since then, but nothing serious.
Pre-date nerves?
I’ve never been on a blind date before, so yeah, I was a little nervous. But I started thinking, ‘I’m just going to enjoy it and see what happens.’
Naay, 27, is single and has no children. She is a model and also runs her own takeaway restaurant
First impression?
When I walked up to Brad’s table, I thought, “Oh, he’s a hot guy,” which is always nice. He had a sweet smile and stood up to say a warm hello, which put me at ease from the start.
Easy to talk to?
We had a very lively conversation. We talked about football because we are both big fans and we talked about our families. We also discovered that we like the same TV shows, like Big Brother and Squid Game.
He’s handsome… but I didn’t get any flirty vibes from him
We talked a little about Brad’s kids, but not much. The fact that he is a father doesn’t stop me from dating him. Many men in their early 30s have had children, so you just have to accept it as part of the package.
I would definitely like to have my own children one day and I wouldn’t mind being a stepmother.
Embarrassing moments?
No, it all went smoothly, without any awkward silences.
Did sparks fly?
Not really. The conversation seemed more like two friends laughing than anything flirty. Somehow, even though he’s attractive, I just didn’t like him. I think he felt the same way about me because I didn’t get any flirty feelings in return either.
She is looking for someone with a great personality with whom she clicks. She would prefer them to be taller than her and reasonably fit and healthy
Will you see him again?
Probably not, if I’m honest. We had a nice time and he’s a nice guy, but the distance is too far and I don’t think either of us would be bothered to travel.
What do you think he thought of you?
I’m not quite sure. It felt like we were both on the same page, laughed at the same things and really got along, but there was no real spark of attraction.
Would your family like him?
My family is Muslim and usually quite picky when it comes to the type of men they want me to date. I tend to ignore everything they say and go for the opposite. So I’m not sure what they would say about Brad: he’s nice, but doesn’t share our faith
BRAD, 31
Single with two children, a six-year-old girl and a six-month-old son.
Dating history
I’ve had one long-term relationship – with my daughter’s mother – but we broke up three years ago. I’ve been single for the most part since then. My son was the result of a very short affair.
Pre-date nerves?
I went into it thinking, ‘Whatever happens, I’m going to enjoy it.’
Brad, 31, is single and has two children: a six-year-old girl and a six-month-old son. He works as a conveyor belt engineer
First impression?
When Naay came to sit at my table, I immediately noticed how attractive she was in her jumpsuit. She had a great smile and seemed very friendly.
Easy to talk to?
Yes, there were no awkward silences. We had a lot in common, the first was our love for football. She’s a Chelsea fan and I support Manchester United, but you can’t have everything!
She’s a Chelsea fan, but you can’t have everything!
We chatted about Naay’s modeling career and I was impressed that she was also able to combine this with her work as a chef. She seemed to have a lot of confidence, which I liked.
Like me, she has little free time and was interested in my family and my children. I’m not sure if she wants kids: I got the impression she doesn’t, so that would make things a bit awkward if we got together.
Embarrassing moments?
Not at all.
Did sparks fly?
Yes and no – she is very good looking, so of course I found her attractive. But I have to get to know a woman a little better to be able to tell if there are sparks.
She said at dinner that she would have preferred an “activity” date, like bowling, and I feel the same way. Still, I thought we got along well.
He is looking for someone who likes football, hiking and going to the gym. She will have to understand that he likes to see his children on weekends
Will you see her again?
I would if that’s what she wanted, but I think the distance between our homes – I’m in the Midlands and she’s in the south – would limit us. We shared Instagram handles so we can follow each other on social media, but that’s about it.
What do you think she thought of you?
I really do not know. I don’t think I’m her type because I didn’t think she was flirting with me. But she didn’t reveal much about how she was feeling.
Would your family like her?
Yes, definitely – although they are always happy for me when I am happy with someone.
NAAY’S VERDICT: 7.5/10
LIKED IT? He’s just as picky about food as I am!
REGRET? No – it was great.
COFFEE OR taxi? Cab
BRAD’S VERDICT: 9/10
LIKED IT? The whole experience. The time flew.
REGRET? Not at all.
COFFEE OR taxi? Cab.