A new ‘Love Island ’-esque dating experience has been launched – with two Brits set to be whisked away for a chance to find love overseas.
Ocean Florida has picked two people for the trip of a lifetime, jetting off to Florida for a first date – with the holiday worth over £25,000.
Forty-five-year-old Rebecca, from Leeds, and Brendan, also 45 and from Redditch, are the chosen singletons looking for love.
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The lucky singles have been chosen to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime first date to see if sparks fly – and they know nothing about each other barring the others’ names.
They will first clap eyes on each other at the airport today (12 February), just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Their first ‘date’ will be the lengthy plane ride – the perfect opportunity to get to know one another.
The pair will then spend nine days in the sun, soaking up rays on sandy beaches and testing theme parks – all while getting to know each other.
Rebecca and Brendan will be filming themselves on a GoPro throughout the experience alongside documenting their dates on Ocean Florida’s Instagram (@ocean_florida ).
The experience had 147 applicants in total.
After Zoom interviews were conducted, Rebecca and Brendon were found to be the most compatible match by matchmaker Michelle Begy.
Working mum Rebecca told What’s The Jam: “I’m at the stage where I would like to meet someone, but experience has proved this to be a timely process.
“I had a curiosity around matchmaking, so when I came across this competition I thought why not?
“Winning this competition has forced me to take time out to see if I can build a connection.
“The amazing itinerary and just over a week in the sunshine was an added bonus.
“I wouldn’t say I am nervous, but perhaps a little apprehensive about the initial ‘meet’ – which at an airport will be a first and a little odd.”
Brendan shares the excitement of the process and is looking forward to meeting in person.
The product manager said: “I work a full-time job, mostly from home, and have two young children, so meeting people is hard.
“Plus, no one seems to really meet in person anymore anyway.
“I’ve never done Florida and I haven’t been on a proper holiday since 2019, so I couldn’t be more excited.
“I’m nervously excited to meet my date.
“A lot of people are pretty jealous, especially my single friends – I was supposed to be going to an anti-Valentine’s party!”
The pair have a jam-packed nine days to enjoy together including trips to Universal World and basketball games.
Their compatibility will be tested when they are challenged to find each other gifts in the Mall of Millenia, while another excursion involves a nail-biting zipline over a gator pond.
The potential future couple will also enjoy luxury accommodation in different locations, including a beachfront home on Anna Maria Island.
Sparks may fly when they enjoy a romantic firework display at Disney World, and the duo will also explore natural hotpots in the wilderness with a glamping trip.
Brenden and Rebecca will also get the chance to ride the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind – the Serengeti Flyer.
The trip will end with the two reflecting on their experience and finding out once and for all if they’ve made a true connection, flying back to the UK together.
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