First Dates' first ever sign language date warmed the hearts of the nation

In a first for First Dates, the show played host to a date conducted entirely in sign language and we loved it, writes Sally Gorman.

Last night, John, a member of the deaf community and Stephen, Mr Gay Ireland, met in the First Dates restaurant but not for the first time.

The pair actually recognised each other on arrival and immediately starting signing - much to Charles' delight as he is used to communicating with a hearing person via text messages.

24-year-old Stephen decided to undertake deaf studies at college after growing up with a major speech impediment.

The date went swimmingly and melted hearts across the country along the way.

You know what the best thing about Irish Sign Language date on #FirstDatesIRL tonight was? The fact that @COCOtv didn't do a voiceover for the date. Such a small but powerful thing to do because it really made people pay attention to what a beautiful language ISL is! #YestoISL

— Caroline McGrotty (@CarolineMcTweet) January 30, 2018

High five to #FirstDatesIRL with the Irish Sign Language content on tonight’s episode @RTE2 @COCOtv #IrishSignLanguage #YestoISL

— Irish Deaf Society (@IrishDeafSoc) January 30, 2018

How cute were Stephen and John Charles on #FirstDatesIRL so glad they had a lovely date and had awesome banter together. Everyone deserves some happiness 👏👌💯❤

— jills galvin 🏳️‍🌈🇮🇪 (@JillsGalvin) January 31, 2018

The couple managed to restore all faith in humanity when they agreed to go on another date but much to our dismay Stephen emigrated to London shortly after their appearance on the show.

via GIPHY

Nevertheless, it was by far, one of the most heartwarming pieces of Irish television we've seen.