A new “Love Island” dating experience whisked two Brits away for a chance to find love – but they sadly didn’t meet their match.
Rebecca and Brendan, both 45, were picked for the all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime to Florida – but there was a catch, as this was the singleton’s first date together.
The pair, from Redditch and Leeds, put their love life in the hands of Ocean Florida, a company offering a “Love Island” dating experience.
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But while they had fun, their fairytale wasn’t meant to be – and now, they’re still on the hunt for a perfect match.
“I knew after about 48 hours that there was nothing for me romantically,” Rebecca, a working mum, told What’s The Jam.
“But I found myself second guessing if I was missing something.
“I think when you are put into a ‘matched’ situation and you don’t necessarily understand why you have been put together, it can be a bit disorientating trying to work it out.”
The pair were whisked away on 12 February 2024 for nine days in the sunshine, exploring theme parks, beaches and even wilderness glamping.
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But despite romantic dinners at the Four Seasons Hotel – and £25,000 spent on the trip – sparks didn’t fly.
Brendan, a project manager, said: “It would have been nice if there had been a romantic connection, but that was always going to be a tall order.
“I consider myself very lucky to have had this experience, and, honestly, I feel lucky to have been paired with Rebecca, because we really did get on very well and that wasn’t guaranteed.
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“Dating can be hard work and understandably, I think a lot of people get disheartened and even jaded.
“But I think if you take people as you find them and try to use every interaction as an opportunity to learn – then it can be a positive experience.”
Rebecca and Brendan were two of the lucky 147 applicants to be selected by Ocean Florida.
The pair, albeit not right for each other, have learned a valuable lesson – and gained a friend for life.
Rebecca added: “It hasn’t changed how I look at love.
“I did know that finding love on the trip was a long shot but I still felt it was worth a try.”
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