Another Saturday night as a poor student and I find myself once again drawn to “Take me Out” on ITV. I must admit, it’s one of those shows that completely fascinates me. On the dating programme spectrum it seems quite mild (one particular memory I have of teen-hood is visiting a friends house, and watching a programme which resulted in people marrying mystery candidates- hilarious yet worrying I must admit). Back to Britain however; and everything seems to be just a little bit milder- even down to the adverts and the famous ‘watershed’. Why watch ‘Take me out’ then? What satisfaction do I gain from watching a load of over-dressed and over coifed women blurt out hideously embarrassing remarks (think Cilla Black and Blind Date revamped) only to be turned off (light-wise that is, calm down now) by a man who is most probably completely “average”.  I think it all comes down to the mystery of it all. All of the candidates go to the ‘Isle of Fernando’ for their dates, which at times appear to be a little scripted. I can’t help but wonder if it has all been thought out weeks before to give the audience at home the greatest gossip and entertainment. There must be something in this theory- how else would the men sent down the famous lift rehearse their parts? Do the women who take part get paid? Do they get a bonus for going on a date for a complete and utter weirdo? I need answers Paddy McGuiness! Let the Presenter tell the audience! I’m not sure about the rest of Britain, but even though I’m a massive TOWIE fan, I’m sick of the staged fakery of it all.

              A friend made an interesting remark to me which has further disappointed me and waned my love of Paddy. Why is there not a ‘Take me Out’ for women? That question is not as stupid as it sounds, I’m fully aware that women take part in the original show; what I mean is why aren’t there 20+ coifed males waiting eagerly to be picked by an average lady? I’ll answer it for you- it would never happen. Men are simply too proud, impatient, and all of that testosterone would be disastrous in a small space.

COME ON GRACIE!

After all this negativity I must admit I do have a little soft spot for the show and I can’t help but always fight for the underdog contestant. Which brings me to Gracie. Not your conventional ‘beauty’ per say- for one she wears her glasses with pride (I wear specs myself, but come on Gracie, embrace the contact lense so we can see your face love!) and has mentioned a penchant for gravy and veg in ‘a soup’ (?)- on your own there Gracie. She is one contestant that I hope gets a date soon, always smiling and positive, she greets every man with a “hi there!”. 

            Let’s not make Gracie another Lucy, who was infamous for leaving her light on for every single man who came on the show throughout her stint and was left single for 12 weeks running. So, whatever your opinion on McGuiness and his girls, let’s all hope that Gracie gets picked soon. Or Stephanie for that matter, but only because she is ridiculously annoying..