Behind the scenes on the Irish version of 'First Dates'

First Dates invites viewers to share a meal with some nervous couples who have just met. Marjorie Brennan gets the lowdown on the new Irish version

THE appetite for reality television programmes shows no signs of dimming, but while the likes of Made in Chelsea, TOWIE, and Geordie Shore continue to be popular with a certain demographic, there has been a swing towards shows that leave you with a warm glow rather than feeling faintly grubby.

Witness One Born Every Minute, 24 Hours in A&E and the phenomenon that is Gogglebox. Another hugely popular show in this vein is First Dates, where viewers get up close with singles seeking romance on a blind dinner date. Now RTÉ and production company Coco Television are hoping to replicate that success when the format’s Irish version hits screens this week.