BLIND DATE: Emma wanted a tall, muscly, tattooed dog lover. But Fawzi's 'baby face' put him in the friend zone from the moment he walked in...

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Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date. 

This week, it was Emma and Fawzi's turn to wine and dine. 

Read on to find out why sparks didn't fly... 

Emma, 50

Vital statistics

Divorced, no children.

Current role

Ministry of Defence security guard.

Would like to meet

A tall, muscly, tattooed dog lover with a great sense of humour.

Emma said she usually picks muscly men, but her date had a real baby face

Dating past?

I was married for 14 years but divorced three years ago after my husband said he pretty much fell out of love with me. I was heartbroken as it came completely out of the blue. Since then, I’ve dated a little, but only casually, nothing serious.

Pre-date nerves?

I wasn’t nervous at all, just excited to try something new.

First impressions?

When he walked in, I thought he had a lovely, kind face and a great smile, but I knew straight away that there was no spark. I like men who are quite manly — bigger built and more rugged — and although Fawzi is 47, he has quite a baby face. Still, we kissed hello on the cheek and I felt we were going to have a nice time.

Easy to talk to?

There was plenty of give and take as we chatted about our families, our work, the fact we’d both been to San Diego (where he’d done some kind of breathing workshop). We even talked about our exes and joked that wasn’t what you’re supposed to do on a first date!

The weird thing was, we had hardly anything in common — he has children and I don’t, and I’m vegetarian — but we got on well. Fawzi doesn’t drink because of his religion so I checked he was OK for me to order wine, and he was relaxed about it. I came away feeling I’d met a lovely man but that he wasn’t boyfriend material.

Embarrassing moments?

Not at all, the date flowed easily.

Did sparks fly?

I’m afraid not. I had pretty much put him in the ‘friend zone’ from the moment he walked in and I’m sure he felt the same about me. I prefer chunkier guys with tattoos so there was no flirting at all.

See him again?

We swapped numbers at the end of the date and had a peck on the cheek. Fawzi said I should call for a coffee, but I think he was just being polite.

What do you think he thought of you?

I hope he thought the same as me — nice person, but no physical attraction.

Would your family like him?

They would think he’s not my type at all, mainly because he doesn’t drink. They know I like to have a drink or two!

Fawzi, 47

Vital Statistics

Divorced with two sons, aged nine and 11.

Current role

Transport project manager.

Would like to meet

Someone independent, who is into health and wellness.

Fawzi said his date called him buddy — putting him firmly in the friend zone

Dating past?

I was married for five years, but we got divorced five years ago. While I have dated and met some lovely ladies since, there hasn’t been anyone serious.

Pre-date nerves?

I wasn’t nervous as I go into things with no expectations and just hope for the best. No pressure on either side.

First impressions?

Though Emma was attractive, there was no immediate physical attraction. I sensed that was a mutual reaction. She’s not the type of woman I’d normally go for.

She said: ‘Hello buddy!’ which immediately put me in the ‘friend zone’, but I was fine with that. She seemed like a warm and happy person, and I felt we both had an upbeat attitude towards simply enjoying the experience.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, the conversation flowed so easily and there were no quiet moments. We ended up laughing a lot, too. We had a few things in common, like the fact we are divorced. We did try to steer away from talking about our exes, but they slipped into conversation here and there.

We’ve both travelled a bit and enjoy going to the cinema, TV comedies, podcasts and looking on the brighter side of life. Plus Emma likes running while I do high-intensity workouts at the gym. We seem to share positive attitudes, not letting the past drag us down.

Embarrassing moments?

I can’t think of a single one.

Did sparks fly?

No, sadly not. But I think it was a mutual lack of chemistry that we were both OK with. We settled into having a good meal and conversation instead.

See her again?

We exchanged numbers, but I don’t think we’d arrange to meet up again, unless perhaps for a coffee as friends.

What do you think she thought of you?

I hope she will say that I’m polite, friendly, chatty and courteous, and that I tried to be a gentleman.

Would your family like her?

I think they’d find Emma friendly, happy and warm. She’s a lovely woman.