THERE’S NO DENYING that First Dates Ireland can feel like an unholy exercise in second-hand embarrassment at times, but lurking among all the toe-curling moments, you’re always going to find an absolute gem or two.

And last night, one gem came in the form of 21-year-old Dan from Dublin.

“All I’ve ever wanted really is time for people to get to know me.” #FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/MTCSP7LmLA

— COCO Television (@COCOtv) February 7, 2019

The media student, who describes himself as ‘differently-abled’ on account of having cerebral palsy, immediately won viewers over with his warmth, sense of humour and perspective on life.

Oh, and the fact he settled the bill ahead of actually meeting his date? An absolute gent.

I think the biggest misconception is that I’m just a chair, and that’s all; that I need things done for me. I’m not going to lie, I do, and it’s important for me that people do understand that, but at the same time I like to be as independent as possible.

“All I’ve ever wanted really is time for people to get to know me,” he added.

Dan was paired with 22-year-old Rachel, and their date was easily among the most enjoyable of the latest season, with viewers finding Rachel equally as likeable as her date.

So, the general consensus…

honestly can’t come with #firstdatesirl already melting my heart with Dan 😭😭😭

— Aleks (@al___eks) February 7, 2019

Dan for president tbh what a man #FirstDatesIRL

— gina linetti spaghetti confetti (@diewithurpawsup) February 7, 2019

If you listen really carefully you can hear the sound of the entire country falling in love with Dan #FirstDatesIrl

— Katrina Darcy (@Delilah_cat) February 7, 2019

Dan the man. What a fantastic young gentleman 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #FirstDatesIRL

— John Paul Murray (@JohnPaulMurray4) February 7, 2019

#FirstDatesIRL could you please let me know how dan is getting on after his date hope all is good with him top guy

— Kevin Crotty (@KevinCrotty8) February 7, 2019

Dan is proof there is still good guys out there🤜🤛 #FirstDatesIRL

— Shane Heffernan (@Heff_Man) February 7, 2019

Dan from #FirstDatesIRL I tip my hat to you, sir. Absolute gentleman.

— Joe Johnston (@joejohnston24) February 7, 2019

Two brilliant people

— Brendan Kenny (@bennykenny78) February 7, 2019

Cool lad

— Phillip Mccann (@PhillipMccann5) February 7, 2019

Staaap so cute ♥️

— aly (@AlySpikeyBall) February 7, 2019

And listen, if you’re only dying to find out how Dan and Rachel have fared since their appearance on the show, you’ll be pleased to know that they have provided the nation with some updates.

Dan revealed that partaking in the show gave him a serious confidence boost.

I had a great experience on First Dates; given me a huge amont of confidence. I’m still in contact with Rachel. Since First Dates, I’ve been over to Vienna at the European Union Youth Conference and I’ve also set up a podcast called Dan and Darren Do Ability.

And as for Rachel?

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at First Dates for introducing me to Dan. It’s been so lovely getting to know him, and I’m so glad I’ve made a new friend from the experience.

More of this please.

Anyway, we’ll leave you with Dan, Rachel (and a few more familiar faces).

🚨 First Dates Dater Update 🚨
Wondering what Dan’s been up to since his date? Want to hear Joy’s reaction to how her date ended?

Of course you do! It’s the #FirstDatesIRL dater update. pic.twitter.com/dh0L0Q9GjM

— COCO Television (@COCOtv) February 8, 2019

DailyEdge is on Instagram!