'He bought me a teddy bear that said 'I love you'. I was a bit surprised': Find out if it's a match for Kerry and Salim on this week's Blind Date

KERRY, 36

Dancer and actor

Dating past?

I have been single for seven years after two five-year relationships. I've tried online dating, but I'm more of a 'let the universe do its thing' person and would much rather meet someone in the cold light of day and know if there's a vibe.

Pre-date nerves?

Not really. I like to approach dates with the attitude of being myself and having fun. I want someone to like me for who I am, so there's no point in worrying.

First impression?

Salim had done his best and was dressed in a smart suit, but I immediately saw that he was not my type. I'm not necessarily a physical type, but he seemed very reserved. He stayed seated when I got to the table, which made it a little awkward because we didn't shake hands. I just said hello and sat down.

Easy to talk to?

We are very different people. Salim is quiet, while I am a talkative, outgoing person. I felt like I was doing most of the talking. We simply didn't have the same energy and apart from a few movies we both liked, we had little in common.

Maybe he was nervous and it takes him a while to come out of his shell. Salim seems like a nice guy and I'm sure there's someone for everyone, but we just weren't right for each other.

Embarrassing moments?

Not really, but the conversation quieted down as we ate our food.

Did sparks fly?

No. I can be flirty when I really like someone, but there was nothing between us at all. Salim offered me his number, which I took, but I know it's not for me. After the meal he gave me a cute little teddy bear that said 'I love you' and some chocolates. The teddy bear surprised me because it's not something I've ever received when I first met someone. But who doesn't love chocolates? It ended with a cheerful farewell.

Would you like to meet again?

No, I don't see the point in it because we weren't a match. But I wish him the best of luck.

What do you think he thought of you?

He would probably think that I am a talkative person with a positive attitude.

Would your family and friends like it?

They would know that Salim wouldn't be for me, but I hope he finds the woman of his dreams soon.

SALIM, 37

Retail sales associate

Dating past?

I've been single forever. I have never had a good relationship and have never met anyone, at university, at work or even through my local mosque, who wants to go out with me. I don't do online dating because I prefer to meet people naturally.

Pre-date nerves?

Not really, because I just wanted to enjoy myself. Normally I wear jeans, but for a date I wanted to dress up, so I opted for a sleek blue suit.

First impression?

I thought Kerry was beautiful when she came in. She has a nice figure and a good sense of style; she was wearing a beautiful dress. I didn't feel anything special at first, but I believe part of romance happens when two personalities connect, so I wanted to see how we were doing.

Easy to talk to?

I was interested in her career as a dancer and would like to see her perform someday. We also talked about music. Kerry prefers R&B, jazz and rap, while I prefer rock music.

We didn't have much in common, even when it came to the TV shows we watch. I love DC and Marvel spin-offs, and that's not really her thing. We talked about family and she was surprised that I had five sisters. Unfortunately, they are all too busy with their lives to help me on the romantic front.

Embarrassing moments?

None, thankfully.

Did sparks fly?

It was more like friendship. I didn't think she was flirting with me and it's not my style to flirt, so unless we keep in touch to see if something happens, there's no romance. When we left, I gave her a gift bag with a teddy bear and some chocolates in it so that I might stand out and she would remember me. She seemed to like it.

Would you like to meet again?

Yeah, it would be fun to see if something could emerge. I would like to be invited to one of her dance shows.

What do you think she thought of you?

I don't think I impressed her. I gave her the presents and my number, but I haven't heard from her.

Would your family and friends like her?

Yes, my sisters like to talk, so they get along great with her!

KERRY'S VERDICT: 4/10

LIKED IT? He looked smart

REGRET? Just that we weren't right for each other.

COFFEE OR taxi? Cab.

SALIM'S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED IT? Heard about her dancing.

REGRET? No.

COFFEE OR taxi? Coffee.