Undateables star Michael, 33, with Asperger’s, says his ‘whole destiny’ has been changed by going on date with autistic Rachel, 36
The sweet lovebirds hit it off, after Michael said he was sad he'd been single for 14 years
THE course of true love never did run smooth, and no one knows this more than Undateable’s star Michael, 33.
The avid poetry-lover, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, has been single for a whopping 14 years, but appears on the Channel 4 dating show tonight to turn around his fortune.
The stablehand may be accomplished in the language of love and Shakespeare, but he has a lot to learn when it comes to dating in real life.
He said: “I feel very much ready to meet my Juliet, if my timetable permits it. Love is paradoxical in its nature. It’s not a straight line. Essentially it’s an unending maze.
“The idea of meeting someone is exciting but also a little scary because it’s venturing into the unknown.”
Michael’s mum Francis said: “He’s studied the theory of love for so long but now he wants the next stage, which is to form a relationship.”
And where would he like to meet this lucky lady?
“I can suggest Costa coffee or Muffin Break”, Michael, who moved out of their family home a year ago, tells his mum.
Michael had nothing to worry about as he was partnered with lovely 36-year-old linguist Rachel, who has autism.
The pair met for their first date in a café by a beautiful river, and conversation took a while to get off the ground.
After an awkward silence, eventually Michael asked nervous Rachel what she likes doing, to which she replied “languages.”
He then asked her to speak a foreign language to him, and Rachel cheekily replies with the Spanish for “take off all your clothes” to which he laughed: “Gladly.”
There’s a slight inkling she might like me and there’s a slight inkling I might like her
Michael on Undateables
The date appeared to be going well until Michael said he wishes he could learn Klingon, a constructed language spoken by the fictional Klingons in the Star Trek universe.
He then proceeded to bellow into a Klingon drinking song, with Rachel looking confused, but things looked up when he switched to quoting Shakespeare sonnets.
Rachel said: “It’s going fairly well I think. I’m enjoying Michael’s company. He’s possibly my type.”
Michael was equally smitten and said: “There’s a slight inkling she might like me and there’s a slight inkling I might like her.”
Plucking up the courage, Michael asks Rachel on a second date and they both beamed as she agreed.
For their second date, the lovebirds headed to a falconry centre and despite a few awkward silences, they hit it off once more and slowly kicked their nerves.
Michael said: “I’m enjoying myself with her. There have been a few silences but I wouldn’t say they were awkward just unusual.
“Certainly [she] felt a little nervous, but with the help of myself and the animals, I think she’s settled.”
Rachel said: “I like spending time with Michael, he’s really nice but it’s a bit nerve-wracking. It’s nice to have someone who is so caring. He seems to be trying to make me feel comfortable.”
Michael added: “I’m enjoying spending time with Rachel, it’s just a dream.”
I’m really glad you’ve entered into my life. Meeting you is the tiny change and now my whole destiny has been affected.
Michael to Rachel on Undateables
After a day petting the wild birds, the pair sat down to discuss if a third date would be on the cards.
Rachel said her day had been very “relaxing”, and Michael added: “What’s made it more relaxing is doing this with you.
“I’m really glad you’ve entered into my life.
“Meeting you is the tiny change and now my whole destiny has been affected. What do you think?”
Rachel replied: “I had a really nice time.”
The lovebirds even got closer as they held hands over the picnic bench, and Rachel agreed to a third date.
He said: “I don’t know what the future holds but I would definitely love to meet her again.
“Today has been amazing. I feel a bit more confident around her.
“Like what we saw of the birds when they were flying, I feel as though I’m soaring like they are.”
The Undateables is on Channel 4 on Wednesdays at 9pm.
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