Love Is In The Air! WW2 Veteran Becomes Oldest Person To Go On 'First Dates'

A World War 2 veteran has become the oldest person to appear on Channel 4 dating show 'First Dates', as he looks for love aged 97. 

Richard was set up on a date with Ruth, who couldn't believe how good he looked for his age.

Richard was called up to the army at 18 years old and on the date he talks about his time in the military, recalling a time during the battle of Arnhem Bridge when his troop was surrounded by German soldiers:

"We were holding this bridge, the Arnhem Bridge in Holland. There was Italians and Germans, SS men with tanks, so we were on our own against all these Germans. We never had a chance.

"I was quite knackered but all them boys that got killed and marooned, and back in England all the lovely people that got bombed, it was horrible.

"I used to have nightmares here and there, thinking about all the horrible things that happened."

Ruth responded to his war stories with admiration, saying:

"If I had a hat I would take my hat off to you because I think you're amazing."

Before his date, Richard received a FaceTime call from his Grandaughter who gives him some words of encouragement and advice about the dating scene.

Despite arriving on a walking stick Richard says: 

"I was 27 when I came out [of the army] and of course I lost most of my youth. I still think I'm a young man. My body isn't but my brain is."

You'll have to watch the full episode to see if Richard's youthful outlook on life was enough to win Ruth over for a second date.

Series 10 of First Dates is on Wednesdays on Channel 4 at 10pm. PICTURE CREDIT: Dave King / Channel 4 Picture Publicity