An 89-year-old Essex man, Derek, has captured the hearts of First Dates viewers everywhere as the new season gets underway.
The Channel 4 show sets people looking for love up on a dreamy first date with the hopes that they might just find their perfect person, or at least make a sweet new connection.
Now in its 24th season, each episode brings together a wide variety of people from all walks of life.
In the latest episode alone, we saw a couple pushing the boat out to see if they could add a third into their relationship in a surprise twist.
But there’s one unexpected dater who has melted everyone’s hearts with his charm – old-timey tune singing Derek.
The almost 90-year-old was introduced on the show as someone ‘ready to serenade his way into one lucky lady’s heart’.
‘I don’t feel I age because at 89 I feel 65 or less,’ he said with a chuckle, joking to the host and French maître d’hôtel Fred Sirieix that he is ’89 going on 20′.
‘I’m old school, open doors, lift the chair, take a lady’s coat,’ he said about his courting style with the hopes of meeting someone who is ‘bubbly and outgoing’.
Enter June, 77, from Avesbury who also has a love for music (including the iconic Dolly Parton).
The pair instantly hit it off, complimenting one another’s looks.
Elsewhere in the episode, Derek spoke about losing his late wife three years ago.
‘I sent my wife Valentine’s cards every year we were married for 65 years,’ he told the show as he started tearing up.
‘I miss her terribly, still think about her everyday, I say good night to her, I say good morning to her, she’s there. All in all, she made me a better person.
‘But as my friends and family say you got move on Derek, live your life,’ he concluded, talking about how his children have encouraged him to find someone new.
Needless to say, June wasn’t the only person Derek was wooing.
‘Watching Derek 89 on First Dates reminds me of how magically Ricky Gervais captures the importance of the person’s backstory which he’s scripted beautifully in After Life.
‘Life’s characters can be fabulous & fascinating & by actively listening to their journey it’s just magic,’ bikegotold said.
‘The cutest man to grace our screens in a long time on First Dates,’ X user orangepanther wrote.
‘Awww the old’uns are the best,’ baroness beckie shared.
‘Derek is a National Treasure – protect him at all costs!,’ boudicassister posted.
‘Derek and June are the essence of this show,’ Daz reflected.
‘Derek is adorable,’ travelprincess99 agreed.
‘Aww wanna give Derek a hug,’ Andrea Davies said.
‘Love Derek and June They could be an old romantic comedy sitcom due,’ Jon Y echoed.
‘June 77 … wow she looks amazing and Derek 89 so sweet,’ Francescaj77 added.
‘Derek is just so adorable,’ suey307 said.
In a happy ending for all, Derek and June had a ‘lovely’ time and were already planning to go and have a coffe together.
The same episode also featured mum-of-three Sophie who is going on a date with a woman for the first time – Emily, a massage therapist.
During the date, Sophie reveals she is married to a man called Ricki and the couple are exploring polyamory.
In the end, the trio get on so well that they agree to all meet one another again.
First Dates is available to watch on Channel 4.
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