From the very start, 75-year-old Julian had his work cut out for him as Rani (66) admitted to “loving” the single life having been single for the past 25 years.
It was only when Rani went on a recent sun holiday that she realised that being single meant that she had no one to put sun cream on her back.
But Julian was no amateur having already appeared on First Dates Ireland six years ago. Armed with charm, humour and wit, he was determined to win Rani over.
But when Rani had to ask Julian a second time what his name was, it was clear the date wasn’t quite going in the direction he hoped.
As a “glass half full” type of man, Julian tried to make a joke about Rani forgetting his name. “If you want to remember someone’s name, you just picture somebody with no clothes on,” he teased.
But as the conversation over dinner continued, things started looking up for the pair as they found they had a lot in common with each other. Both admitted to loving their independence and how they currently lived their lives.
“Are you content in your life as it is?,” asked Rani. “Oh yes, very content,” replied Julian. “I feel very lucky.”
And with that, more similarities between the pair began to emerge. They found that they shared a love for the theatre, the outdoors and most importantly to Rani, animals, in particular, dogs.
Julian was no amateur having already appeared on First Dates Ireland six years ago
Julian admitted he had a particular soft spot for sight hounds, while Rani, who already has four dogs at home said her favourite breed was the “misunderstood” Rottweiler.
“I have two Rottweilers,” said Rani. “Oh Jesus,” retorted Julian “I had better behave myself,” he joked.
In keeping with the dog theme, Julian then asked Rani what type of dog he would be. This question was followed by Julian’s very own theatrical performance as he did a full-body impression of a Springer Spaniel, complete with a wagging tail, much to Rani’s surprise.
As the pair became more comfortable in each others company, Julian opened up to Rani about his childhood and also the losses he has experienced throughout his life.
“My parents parted ways when we were very young and so this lady, my guardian, had offered to have me. Best thing in my life. Nurturing is so important. I believe you can turn round lots of people if they had the good fortune of being shown what’s right and what’s wrong and have a little discipline.”
Julian added that he feels incredibly grateful that he is alive and healthy. “Shouldn’t we be lucky that we are alive and well,” said Julian.
“I’ve been through quite a lot of illnesses with people that I have loved,” revealed Julian. “My wife got breast cancer so that was very sad but she was so brave and my guardian also had cancer. Both were incredibly brave.”
Rani (66) admitted to “loving” the single life having been single for the past 25 years
Rani seemed inspired by Julian’s openness. “He’s a survivor,” she told a passing waiter who had asked how the date was going.
Despite seeming to find a lot in common, while also connecting on an emotional level, when asked would she like to see Julian again romantically, Rani replied “unfortunately no”.
Julian, clearly disappointed, admitted he would have liked to see Rani again.
“I’m not desperately disappointed because it takes time to get to know each other, but I certainly was attracted to Rani and felt she was very nice. But I can accept what her feelings are.”
And with that the pair hugged and parted ways. Maybe there will be a third time lucky for Julian in the First Dates restaurant in the future.