First Dates — Season 17

With Christmas 2020 having been cut short for so many, Fred Sirieix and his team are back and pulling out all the stops to make sure that this Christmas is one to remember. First into the festive restaurant is 25-year-old Dan, a jobbing Father Christmas who, despite spreading joy each year, has struggled to sprinkle some magic on his own love life. Also ready to get her festive flirt on is 21-year-old recruitment consultant Macy, who is looking to fill the permanent position of boyfriend this Christmas.

The first of this series' couples bond over a love of Japanese culture, although nerves threaten their chances. A police detective goes on a date with a man who used to be on the force, an actor meets a journalist and Latin ballroom dancer, and an entrepreneur with a flashy exterior and even flashier car is hoping to find someone to settle down with.

A Disney fan seeks a fresh start after losing her last partner due to a tragic accident, while 27-year-old Craig wants to find a man who will share his love of dogs. A retired Butlins redcoat has high hopes for her date, and a woman who has not enjoyed much luck on the dating scene may have finally found the man she is looking for.

Those taking part include 23-year-old Rory, who meets 24-year-old Ella, along with 54-year-old self-confessed man-eater Caroline, who has been on 50 dates in the past two years. Tattoo enthusiast Adam returns to First Dates hoping to romance 30-year-old single mum Laura, who is yet to meet a man who accepts she has a child. Urologist Abi may know all about the male anatomy, but realises her job can scare off some men.

Medical student Alice gets together with Max, the self-styled 'Wolf of Wallington High Street'. Veteran house music groover Mark meets Alison - a call centre worker by day and raver by night.

Sexual health advisor Liza meets father-of-five Simon. Singer Saskia dates Luke the magician. And a car buff from Grimsby meets a self-confessed 'nerd' yet to fall in love.