There are few things more nerve-racking than a blind date but one Rotorua man faced that head on when he signed up for First Dates New Zealand.
The unique series lays bare the reality of that first meeting, capturing all of the hope and heartbreak on camera when hopeful singletons are sent for dinner.
For Rotorua's Thomas Falconer, his chance to be on the show has been a long time coming.
"I saw it pop up on my Facebook page and I had to apply.
"I missed out last year because the filming dates didn't match up."
For his application he put together a video introducing himself and called in the help of close friends to answer some personal questions.
"There were questions like, what's your best physical asset and it's a pretty hard one to answer, apparently it's that I'm tall."
The fulltime wedding videographer said he had sat on the sideline watching a lot of romantic moments and was ready for his "perfect first chapter".
"When I found out I had been selected, I was a little bit nervous and excited."
The couples, who are complete strangers, share a three-course meal while discreet cameras placed throughout the First Dates restaurant record every detail.
From first impressions, through all the awkward, heart-warming, funny moments and embarrassing blunders, to the end of the meal, paying the bill, and the chat about whether or not a second date is on the cards, the film crew are there following their every move.
"It does legitimately feel like a blind date, there's nothing scripted.
"You have all the same excitement, the nerves, those levels were very high."
However despite the nerves Falconer said the experience had been "good fun".
"I'm friends with a lot of the cast now.
"Honestly, I signed up for fun, but I genuinely was looking for love, I guess you could say.
"I would do it again in a heartbeat."
When Falconer's episode airs tonight he will be gathered round the TV with a few friends.
"It will probably just be a barbecue and a bit of a roasting session," he said.
"I think anyone who's ever thought it could be fun, do it, you've got nothing to lose, or, just be cheeky and sign your friends up for the next season."
What: First Dates New Zealand
When: 8.30pm Thursday, TV2