'He asked if he could hold my hand. It just felt natural': Sparks flew on our Blind Date - but will they see each other again?

Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

This week, it was Chanelle and Jon's turn to wine and dine.

Read on to find out whether they'll see each other again...

CHANELLE, 29

Vital statistics

Single for several years.

Current role

Veterinary student.

Would like to meet

Someone considerate, who loves animals.

Before the date, Chanelle said she'd never met anyone else who wants pet rats

Relationship history

I’ve never been in a serious relationship as I’ve never found the right guy.

Pre-date nerves?

I haven’t been on that many dates so I was quite nervous. I can be shy.

First impressions?

Jonathan was waiting at the table and I immediately liked his longer hair, smart shirt and blazer. He was smiley and friendly, and seemed like a nice guy. 

I think we just said hello and sat down — it was a first blind date for us both so we didn’t go overboard too soon. But I was surprised by how attractive I found him.

Easy to talk to?

The conversation flowed and it didn't feel awkward. We seemed to have a lot in common — and we both love animals.

He surprised me when he said he is hoping to get some pet rats, because I had some before; we both really love them. We’re also both interested in conservation, history and philosophy, and had so many topics to connect on. 

It felt right, and we talked about deep things, with a bit of banter, too.

Embarrassing moments?

Nothing, apart from dropping my messy caramel sauce dessert on the lovely white tablecloth.

Did sparks fly?

I definitely think there was a spark between us. Jon suggested we continue the date with a walk in Hyde Park — as we were walking round, he asked if he could hold my hand. 

I’ve never done that on a first date but it just felt natural. We parted with a hug and a promise to see each other again.

Would you like to meet again?

We’ve already made plans. We had a video phone chat last night for an hour-and-a-half and he’s booked his ticket to come and see me this week. I’m going to show him Stonehenge and we’ll go out for dinner.

What do you think he thought of you?

I think he likes me. There was nothing that could have gone better on the date. The restaurant and food were great, and my date was wonderful.

Would your family and friends like him?

Yes, as he’s intelligent and funny.

Jon, 27

Vital statistics

Single for two years.

Current role

Support worker with homeless young people.

Would like to meet

A life partner. 

Jon says they didn't kiss - and that's his closest thing to a regret 

Relationship history

I’ve had three relationships of a few months each, but have been single for a couple of years.

Pre-date nerves?

My only nerves were around what to wear; I had to do some shopping to get something smart.

First impressions?

I thought she was gorgeous and weirdly, after ten seconds of formality, it never felt awkward. It felt normal to be on a date with her. 

She has beautiful eyes, and as soon as I saw her lovely red dress, I was so glad I’d made the extra effort and bought a smart blazer.

Easy to talk to?

I had expected to have an awkward chat and leave, but what began with a stranger’s handshake ended up as this incredibly wonderful experience.

I’ve been thinking about her all week. We sparked on so many ­topics. I didn’t want it to end, so I asked if she was up for a walk around Hyde Park.

Embarrassing moments?

No, none at all.

Did sparks fly?

I don't think either of us are flirts, but there was an instant connection. 

We spent every moment we could together until we had to go home. We didn’t kiss and that’s probably my closest thing to a regret, but I’m sure I’ll make up for that when I see her.

Would you like to meet again?

We arranged to meet up after I come back from Canada, but I realised I don’t want to wait, so I’m going to see her tomorrow. I’m in Wales and she’s in Wiltshire, but I want her to know this is worth making an effort for.

What do you think she thought of you?

I’d hope she thinks I’m kind and compassionate, and I’m ­interested in her. We spoke at the end of the date about how wildly excited we are by how well we got on.

Would your family and friends like her?

100 per cent, yes. I’m excited to introduce her to my friends as they’ll know she’s right for me. I rang them immediately after the date to tell them she is awesome.