Going on a first date is always nerve-wracking. Going on TV’s First Dates even more so. But it’s probably exponentially more nerve-shredding if you have Tourette’s syndrome.
Such was the case for Derry man Damian on last night’s First Dates on Channel 4. The 25-year-old, a mental health nursing student, was there to be set up with another guy.
Any elephants in the room have been well and truly barred by @MerlinFDC4. 🐘 ❌ 😆 #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/KPGeoqzWdt
— First Dates (@FirstDates) August 9, 2016
Damian was refreshingly open about and accepting of his condition.
Acceptance = Happiness. ❤️☮ 🌟 #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/RZIIaPTr7K
— First Dates (@FirstDates) August 9, 2016
He explained that he suffered a breakdown three years ago after splitting with his ex-boyfriend, and was diagnosed with Tourette’s soon afterwards. He said:
“I couldn’t even speak because I was ticking constantly. I remember my dad getting really upset and I could tell that he was trying to hold back tears and so because of that I thought the best way to deal with that was to joke about it.”
Damian’s honesty quickly won him over with the audience.
So just so I'm clear… We all love Damien on #FirstDates yeah?
— Daryl Daniels (@DarylMJD) August 9, 2016
The guy with Tourette's on #FirstDates is the cutest/funniest thing I have ever seen. As he said, makes him laugh and cry. I'm doing both. 😍
— Leon Ward (@LeonjWard) August 9, 2016
Damian’s date was the very handsome Kai, a 31-year-old businessman and part-time model, who, luckily, loves the Irish accent.
And, rather wonderfully, the pair hit it off.
RT if you’ve got your fingers crossed tightly for Kai and Damian right now. 😁 😍 #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/DPKJTO0Gq4
— First Dates (@FirstDates) August 9, 2016
Kai was clearly touched by Damian’s transparency about his condition, because he opened up about suffering from mental health issues himself in the past.
He said:
“I know I’ve had depression on and off. I went through a really bad period four years ago. I accept it now. Since I’ve done that, I can manage it better.”
Viewers loved the guys for being so open with one another.
https://twitter.com/ElspethVanDHole/status/763123491243757568
It's so good to talk about mental health problems #firstdates It's healthy to share. Good luck Damien & Kai u r lovely lads x @TimetoChange
— #WinoLogical (he/him) FRSA (@KeithWinestein) August 9, 2016
Bawling & goosebumps at this date!! Damien & Kai are amazing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #firstdates
— Georgie Bowes (@GinaBo) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/CllrTomHayes/status/763133054311337984
Watching Damian & Kai on #firstdates talking openly about their mental health is giving me life! 👏🏽👏🏽❤️ @FirstDates pic.twitter.com/jeE8AmpDpd
— WayneDavid (@WayneDavid81) August 9, 2016
To everyone’s delight, the two guys admitted in the post-date interview that they’d like to see each other again.
52% of you were CORRECT. ✅ 🍀
A second date is on the cards for Damian and Kai. #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/MNQrgKO4u0— First Dates (@FirstDates) August 9, 2016
And sure enough, it seems like they have!
Damian and Kai have enjoyed several dates in Brighton and were welcomed by each other’s loved ones. 💖 #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/z8x7sDmBks
— First Dates (@FirstDates) August 9, 2016
Best of luck guys. If you read this, get in touch and let us know how you are getting on.
