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101-Year-Old Eric Wins The Hearts Of The Nation On First Dates

101-Year-Old Eric Wins The Hearts Of The Nation On First Dates

Eric Stanley is the oldest singleton to step inside the First Dates restaurant

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Is there anything more heartwarming than a lovely old person? Yep - a lovely old person on a mission to find love in front of the entire nation.

At 101, Eric Stanley was the oldest singleton to step foot into the First Dates restaurant and his flirting was top notch to say the least.

Viewers fell in love with the retired engineer straight away when, during his interview, he said: "I'm a trap, not a catch," before adding: "I would be [flirty], I could be... I am, yes."

The pensioner was partnered with 84-year-old Norma and was more than well prepared to get his festive flirt on.

When the pair were introduced, Eric announced: "You look worth waiting for," and went on to shock Norma with the news of his age. She guessed he was in his 80s so he must be doing something right.

Eric and Norma met on Channel 4's First Dates.
First Dates/Channel 4

Viewers took to social media to brand Eric a 'legend' and a 'LAD' and we couldn't agree more.

One said: "New 75 year plan is to be as smooth as Eric on first dates by the time I'm 101 #thatsgamebaby".

Another added: "Eric is the most precious old man he has my heart, what an absolute treasure. He deserves all the love and happiness in the world."

Someone else commented: "I just love Eric on @FirstDates Norma: 'Take a picture of me and Eric'. Eric: 'Sit on my knee'. Smooth, very very smooth Eric. You don't get to being 101 years old without having a few tricks up your sleeve. What a guy."

And, **spoiler alert**, it wasn't just us bowled over by the pensioner and all of his charm because Norma decided she wanted to see him again. Yes Norma.

But before finishing their dinner, restaurant manager Fred Sirieix gave Eric the recognition he deserved in front of all the customers when he announced: "This gent is 101-years-old and is still looking for love at 101 with his beautiful date here.

"If you can join me for a round of applause".

Eric was signed up to the show by his grandson, James McCluskie, after spending 20 years on his own following the passing of his beloved wife.

He appeared on This Morning, telling Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford: "At that time [when she died] I had so many friends and family that rallied round and I missed her, I miss her now.

"I'll never forget her completely because there's always something at home that reminds you of it. [At Christmas] 99 times out of 100 I'd buy the wrong thing and we'd have a natter about it."

What an incredible man.

Featured Image Credit: First Dates/All 4

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, first dates, Channel 4