The Irish version of First Dates has clearly caught the imagination of not only viewers but also singletons looking for love, as over five thousand hopefuls have already applied for the next series.
The final episode in the current run screened this week but plans are well advanced to bring the show back for a second series either later this year or in early 2017.
According to the show's casting director, Ger Philpott, the "calibre of applicants for the second season is great" and he's promising "more moments of TV gold". And presumably lots of cringe worthy moments to match those of season one.
How could we forget the encounter between South African model Frederica and Donegal man Lee. Frederica had no qualms about telling her date about her high sex drive, which led her to ask him about his eh, doodle (we'll let you figure out what that is).
And then there was also her adherence to personal hand hygiene.
Though will our hearts ever recover from this moment as we witnessed Amy's achy breaky heart at the hands of heartless Darryl (boo, hiss etc). We hear he's now been barred from Coppers for kicking the lovely lady into the 'friend-zone'.
Still there was sweetness and flirting galore, even if the compliments were a tad on the bizzare side. "You smell like my Grandad" anyone?
Ger says that anyone interested in applying needs to get the basics right especially the 50 words to sell themselves on the application form. He says this is "the first hurdle" where many wannabe daters fall down.
Once the application and their initial videos are vetted, there's a phonecall with the potential suitors and afterwards those still in the game, will be called in for a one on one interview.
He says the formula for the second season, which will begin filming in late August and early September at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, will remain the same and says the secret to its success is that "the programme has a heart" and the team are "genuinely trying to match up daters".
First Dates, awkward on so many levels 🙈 #FirstDatesIRL @RTE2https://t.co/xwtEbcHPCa
— RTÉ Player (@RTEplayer) May 26, 2016
And what about the chance of real romance in season two? He joked that the show is called First Dates "not Marry Me!".
As for Thursday night's season finale, well its more of the same good humoured banter and cringe-heavy encounters.
There was Katie and her love of Taytos (which makes her marriage material in our eyes), Pokemon fan Tadhg who never has had a boyfriend at the ripe old age of 23 (bless!) and then there was Niall who was all about the tease, sorry that should that be 'teas'. And what's his date's name again?
@MrTaytoIreland nothing but Taytos 😂😂 #FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/CYIOw4RA4H
— Katie Clancy (@katie_cla) May 26, 2016
His jeans are fiiiiine.#FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/Jj4fXY4LMw
— Mona (@MoonDjoon) May 26, 2016
Only watching #FirstDatesIRL now...loving the tall girl and the doctor 👌 don't wanna go to work and miss the rest of it 😅😂
— Emily Brennan (@embrennan1989) May 27, 2016
#FirstDatesIRL = Irish love the friend zone, tea and tayto.
— JustJohn (@johnjjsmyth) May 26, 2016
Aaaw montage feels! So long #FirstDatesIRL Random awesomeness all in your face! Thanks @COCOtv_ for having me... High five and good vibes! 😘
— Shem D (@LazyAnansi) May 26, 2016
And don't get us started on that montage at the end.....pure sweetness.
If you'd like to apply to take part in the next season click here.
