First Dates Ireland returned for series 10 last night, with singletons from far and wide hoping to find their forever love in the restaurant.
With a refreshed look, new graphics and colour scheme, series 10 saw familiar faces return to introduce new daters. On hand as always with kind words of encouragement, shoulders to cry on and insightful observations on love and life are table angels Alice and Pete, Neil, the world's friendliest barman and Maitre D' Mateo Saina.
Last night's daters included a Paul Mescal lookalike from Kildare, a pink-haired primary school teacher from Louth, and a feisty singer-songwriter from Bundoran, but no one could beat the chemistry between Luis and Doyle.
It's getting HOT in the First Dates restaurant 🔥#FirstDatesIRL tonight at 9:30pm on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/bBhO9CwiLV
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) January 9, 2025
Fun-loving Brazilian waiter Luis won viewers over from the start of the episode. Not only did he reveal that he worked for lovely bartender Neil, but he performed an impression of him that was so good it won a round of applause from the restaurant.
The super confident 27-year-old described his dream man as tall, funny and someone that he could be himself around.
Enter, Doyle.
Some things are just too good for telly 📺
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) January 9, 2025
Spice Bags for all! #FirstDatesIRL | Thursdays 9:30pm on @rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/TtI5Ami29A
The Nigerian playwright told producers he was terrified of rejection but, as a true Sex and the City fan, he has to put himself out there in the pursuit of love.
The 29-year-old said he was looking for an "all consuming love", and it seems like the First Dates match makers may have found him the perfect man.
Wow wow wow guys!! Leave something for off the cameras!! 😅😂 #firstdatesirl
— b (@hellothisisbea) January 9, 2025
Discussing their favourite Irish phrases, the reasons they moved to Ireland, and their love for the creative arts - not to mention their shared obsession with La La Land - sparks flew between the two from the get go.
While Doyle told producers that he usually tries to send brainwaves to his date to let them know he's attracted to them, Luis was a natural.
"If you don't have a sign that says 'I'm flirting', I just think you're lost or you're looking for the time," Doyle joked.
Thankfully, Luis made his intentions clear, admiring Doyle's style, open shirt, and finding any reason to hold his hand.
By dessert, the two were discussing dream weddings, the number of children they wanted to adopt, and their forever countries.
"I really have a soft spot for Ireland, I really do," Doyle says. "I found now that when I write I can't but not inject Ireland into the things I write about. I love it.
"Yeah, I guess you really love it," Luis replies, before the two shared their first steamy kiss.
Speaking with the camera crew post-date, they said they would love to see each other again and would plan a movie night to watch La La Land, promising to at least watch the first few minutes.
"There were some sparks," Doyle told producers. "There were lots of sparks. Call the firefighters."
