Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. Today, Catrina and James recount their dinner. Read on to find out whether they had chemistry…

Catrina, 44 

Vital statistics Single for ten years, daughter, 14

Current role Community stakeholder manger in transport

Would like to meet Someone funny, family-friendly and confident. Not looking for anyone meek or miserable 

Dating past?

I’ve had a number of relationships – including being engaged – and I’m now raising my daughter as a lone parent. It hasn’t always been easy but I see it as an important part of my growth. While I am open to dating, I am in no rush.

Pre-date nerves?

No, first dates are fun. Although my daughter teased me that my match might turn up in a clown suit and oversized shoes.

Although Catrina was once engaged, her dating has slowed down and she is not rushing to find a partner

First impressions?

Before James arrived, a man walked into the restaurant wearing a neon-pink cowboy hat with matching shirt and an electric blue blazer. Imagine my relief when James – in corduroys and a presentable blazer – appeared soon afterwards. He was smiley and instantly warm, although there wasn’t an instant attraction from my side of the table.

Easy to talk to?

We quickly got into a conversation about James’s accident – he had to learn to walk and talk again after a bad fall – and his achievements since. I reassured him that the brain injury hadn’t impacted his intelligence – he’s a witty and warm person. James has clearly persevered to get to the point in life where he is now.

Embarrassing moments?

Yes! I knocked over my prosecco, which spilled on to James’s lap and groin area. But he took it well. With an amused glint in his eye, he remarked: ‘You’re just trying to get my clothes off, aren’t you?’

Catrina said she saw James as more of a friend as there was no romantic chemistry between them

Did sparks fly?

I’m fairly confident there was no romantic chemistry for either of us. Attraction can develop as a bit of a slow burn. But those subtle signs – touching one’s hand or mirroring each other’s body language – just weren’t there.

See him again?

As a friend, yes. We didn’t exchange numbers but nonetheless the date ended on a real high. While waiting for the bill, James ordered us both another glass of wine. He reminded me that life is a special occasion to be celebrated at every opportunity.

What do you think he thought of you?

I hope he’ll say we’re similar characters. We’re both funny, whip-smart and kind. He did ask if anything major had happened in my life. I didn’t share everything about me, but I did talk about my nephew, who has a brain injury. Listening to James really underlined how precious life is.

Would your friends like him?

Yes, there is nothing unlikeable about James. Would they think he was for me? Well, James is a bit older than me and I’m probably more down to earth than him.

James, 48

Vital statistics Single for five years, no children

Current role Retired airline pilot, now a speaker and author

Would like to meet A cute, lively woman who doesn’t mind someone with a speech disability 

Dating past?

I was a first officer with British Airways when I had an accident 23 years ago. I suffered brain damage after a nasty fall in a Paris hotel but, despite doctors’ dire predictions, I’ve learned to walk and talk again.

I did meet someone on Match – however, I was the victim of a scam marriage so she could get a British passport. We married in 2016 and the divorce finally came through in 2019. I saw someone for six months in 2022 but I’ve only done casual dating since then.

Pre-date nerves?

No, I’m not a nervous person. I’ve faced death early on in life and I’m still smiling and happy today.

James has only been dating casually after he fell victim to a scam marriage that ended in divorce

First impressions?

Cat was sitting down, but I think she’s 5ft 8in? She definitely appeared warm, cute and relaxed in a rather eye-popping pink dress. We had a kiss hello on each cheek. She was extremely relieved to see me, and went on to explain that she’d initially feared a chap in a bright pink Stetson was her date. He was sitting two tables away from us – she wasn’t exaggerating about his OTT attire – and we had a real laugh about it.

Easy to talk to?

Yes. We touched on my brain injury and her nephew’s brain surgery. Catrina complimented me on being so positive. I suggested we should push the boat out a bit and encouraged her to have a glass (or four!) of prosecco. Cat was going to go for a set menu and I suggested she went for the à la carte one instead – life is too short to skimp.

Embarrassing moments?

Only our running joke about the guy in the pink and blue outfit. If he had been Catrina’s match, it would have been a very short lunch indeed.

Sadly James said he wasn’t keen on Catrina: ‘Unfortunately, Catrina is a blonde and I’m just not romantically attracted to blonde women’

Did sparks fly?

No, I’m a fussy guy. Unfortunately, Catrina is a blonde and I’m just not romantically attracted to blonde women. But that didn’t stop it being a lovely experience. I nearly died 23 years ago and my prognosis was bleak. I now make every day count.

See her again?

No, Catrina lives in a commuter town in the middle of nowhere. It’s 90 minutes from my home in Fulham.

What do you think she thought of you?

That’s a tricky question! Hmm, that I’m positive and determined – maybe charming too?

Would your friends like her?

I can’t answer that. But I can say that Catrina is a fabulous woman who loves pink – on women only.