Popular dating show returns to Irish screens for 8th series this week

One of the most popular reality TV programmes in Ireland is set to return to our screens for an eighth series. 

Mateo and the team are back this week as more hopefuls keen to find romance enter the First Dates restaurant for a new season. 

A fresh sitting of daters will sample the food of love and, unlike last year, the tables are intimate and the masks are off! 

On hand with warm welcomes, words of encouragement and matchmaking savoir faire are Maitre’D Mateo, table angels Alice and Pete, and cocktail maestro Neil. 

The first episode features best friends Aisling (25) and Naomi (26) ready for an unforgettable double date. 

Self-confessed ‘girlo’ Aisling is matched with insurance underwriter Ross (30) from Dublin who can’t believe his luck, while a few tables away, dancing queen Naomi unleashes her best moves on marketing executive Brodie (32) who grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand. 

Meanwhile old school romantic and multi-instrumentalist Garry (73) from Wexford makes sweet music with line dancer and marathon runner Mary (71) from Galway, and professional auto detailer Colm (28) from Dublin mingles with petrolhead and ‘classy car girl’ Sorcha (25) from Donegal. 

Don't miss the new series starting on January 5 2023 at 9.30pm on RTÉ 2. 

Image: RTÉ