Every week, the Daily Mail asks two singletons to report back from their Blind Date. This week, Sara and Gary recount their dinner date experience. Read on to find out how it went...

Sara, 56

Vital statistics: Divorced, single for seven years, with a daughter, 26, and two sons, 21 and 18.

Current role: Vlogger on YouTube.

Would like to meet: A man who accepts me for who I am. Not interested in anyone with baggage.

Dating past?

I was married for 28 years. Since our divorce, I have had a couple of dates via dating websites but they’ve all been a bit needy or weird. I’ve been catfished, scammed and swindled out of a hefty sum of money, too.

Pre-date nerves?

Yes, I’m convinced my size 16 figure will put men off. I got dressed up in a posh frock and felt like a drag queen.

First impressions?

Gary is slightly balding but smartly turned out. While I didn’t initially find him physically attractive, I found the overall package – good manners, attentiveness – pleasing. Gary was charming and eloquent.

Mother-of-three Sara is looking for a genuine man that accepts her for who she is – especially given the bad luck she's had in the past with scammers on dating websites

Easy to talk to?

Absolutely, Gary is a fascinating man. I’m changing careers to become a YouTuber, and he gave me advice. He has worked in the media and is currently retraining to be a TEFL teacher. I like that, even in midlife, he is embracing change. Gary has a daughter and we touched on his ex-wife and how he feels about her now she has a new partner. He asked a lot about my ex, too.

Embarrassing moments?

No although Gary did say, ‘I’m looking for a companion – but I don’t mean just sex!’ It made me laugh but I didn’t say, ‘No thank you.’ I wonder if Gary picked up on that.

Did sparks fly?

Yes, for me. I was a big flirt with plenty of hair-tossing, laughing at his jokes and leaning in towards him. Gary’s caveat – and it was a sensible one – is that we both want different things from life. He spends a chunk of the year living in Spain, whereas as soon as my ex and I have sold our home, I’m using my half of the equity to move to a Greek island.

See him again?

Yes, we really hit it off and shared a big hug goodbye at the station. We both have a dry sense of humour and politically we’re Leftie hippies at heart. Hopefully, we’ll meet up for a coffee in Brighton. But Gary wants to read what I thought of him in the paper first before he commits. I suspect he’s been stung in the past.

Sara and Gary chatted about living abroad. She has plans to move to a Greek island, while he is based in Spain

What do you think he thought of you?

Gary told me he found the evening relaxing and I was good company. I do think he fancied me, too. On his side of the table there was a fair bit of leaning in and touching my arm. Those gestures made me think he liked me.

Would your family like him?

Yes, Gary is an affable and very approachable guy. My children would love him.

Gary, 64

Vital statistics: Divorced since 2006, with a daughter, 24.

Current role: Freelance copywriter.

Would like to meet: An attractive, sexy woman who isn’t materialistic. A no to anyone who lists pronouns or votes for Reform.

Dating past?

Er... tangled! I have had far too many lovely girlfriends for an average-looking guy from Birmingham. My longest relationship was eight years. After my divorce, I had to relocate to a different part of the UK to stay in regular contact with my daughter. Now she’s an adult, I base myself in Spain. I have EU citizenship thanks to an Irish passport.

Gary's longest relationship lasted eight years. 'I have had far too many lovely girlfriends for an average-looking guy from Birmingham!' he quips

Pre-date nerves?

Self-conscious is the more accurate phrase. I was aware I shouldn’t grill my date. One woman I met for a first date complained I’d interviewed her.

First impressions?

I knew I wasn’t going to meet Scarlett Johansson, so I was open to all other possibilities. Sara was well dressed in a blue and white gingham dress. She’s blonde, with stylish glasses and a warm smile, but there wasn’t that instant ‘I fancy you’ feeling.

Easy to talk to?

Yes. Sara is warm, witty, has led an interesting life and is comfortable in her own skin. I found her confident but not arrogant. She’s recently graduated from university after putting herself through a degree post-divorce.

She told me about the circumstances behind her split and she isn’t broken by them. I complimented her – and I meant it – on how she has coped. I’m in a different life cycle though.

There’s no compelling reason for me to go to Greece, whereas Sara has got her heart set on it. I said I could imagine her in a flat over looking the sea with her dog.

Gary bonded with Sara over the challenges of having adult children, but he doesn't think that sparks flew on their date

Embarrassing moments?

No, although Sara isn’t a drinker and I asked if it was OK to have a glass of fizz. She was fine with that. It was quite cool of her.

Did sparks fly?

I don't think so. There was plenty about Sara I found attractive but the connection felt platonic to me. I would be mortified if she was in any way hurt by this.

See her again?

Yes, although Sara needs to start her new chapter now. Before we parted ways I said to her, ‘I’ll come and visit you in Corfu when you have genuinely made the move,’ and she replied, ‘I’ll hold you to that.’

What do you think she thought of you?

I didn't make any stupid jokes and we shared stories of the challenges with adult children. I got the impression, as we covered our life experiences, that she liked me.

Would your family like her?

Yes, Sara is smart, entertaining and interesting.

Sara's verdict: 10/10

Liked? Gary put me at ease.

Regrets? Not getting Gary’s number.

Coffee or cab? Coffee.

Gary's verdict: 9/10

Liked? Sara's courage.

Regrets? No, it was a quality experience.

Coffee or cab? Coffee as friends for now.