GOING on a first date can be a daunting experience for anyone under normal circumstances – but imagine knowing that millions of people could be watching the experience.

For Whitchurch resident Andrew Muldowney that became a reality after he appeared on the hit Channel 4 TV show First Dates.

Andrew, 62, took part in filming for the show two years ago after being signed up by staff at his local pub.

“Bridie [from the pub] and another girl that worked there saw me and started laughing, so I asked what they were laughing at’” said Andrew. “They said I would be good on First Dates.

“I didn’t know what it was but before I knew it they had got the laptop and signed me up.”

After two conversations with the show’s producers, Andrew found himself in London nervously awaiting his blind date.

He added: “Fairly quickly I had an interview on the phone with one of the producers and then a Facetime interview.

“I went down to London to see them and then went back to do the date. Within the fortnight it was all done.”

For his date Andrew was matched up with Meryl, but he captured the hearts of many watchers after admitting his like for British DJ Fatboy Slim.

“I was 60 when I did it and being that age and liking Fatboy Slim was quite funny to many people,” added Andrew. “I’m sure if I hadn’t said that the episode wouldn’t have been talked about nearly as much.

“Every weekend when I go out people collar me but I’ve always having positive reactions.

“When you do these sorts of things you’re always worried about making a fool of yourself, but my son gave me some good advice.

“Before I went on he said don’t get drunk, and pay the bill, or they’ll make you look stupid.

“But when I went in I was just myself and everyone that watched it said the same.”

Despite enjoying the date, Andrew admits that he and Meryl were not made for each other.

“She was nice but she was wild,” added Andrew. “She was a party animal but she was a lovely woman, but she would have killed me.

“What you see on the show is what you get, I didn’t know who she was, where she was from. You just turn up and go with the flow.”

Andrew says he enjoyed the experience.

“I was a million miles outside my comfort zone but I really enjoyed it,” added Andrew.

“Everyone I encountered was lovely and I never felt left alone to worry about things.

“A load people my age said I had some guts to do it but it happened so quickly I didn’t have time to think about.

“I would really enjoyed the experience and have no regrets, but I wouldn’t do it again.”