Fans of First Dates balled their eyes out in episode 7 as mental health worker Siona opened up about an experience of sexual assault.
Positive, brave and boasting an infectious smile, Siona proved the inspirational TV experience of Tuesday night (May 28th).
Here’s how her date with Liam unfolded and how she summoned the courage to speak out on national TV.
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Meet Siona and Liam
The 29-year-old immediately bridged the gap about her teeth, where she explained how having a gap between your gnashers means you’re going to be “rich, successful and good in bed”.
Apparently…
Sinoa was looking for a man who loved the outdoors… although not as much as Stig of the Dump.
Her date was 30-year-old Liam from Devon, who was looking for a happy and smiley woman who was naturally pretty.
Match made in heaven, eh…
A date of giggles and blushing
Sonia charmed viewers with her natural humour and charisma, while Liam was innocently honest and kind throughout.
Having opened the date explaining that he worked for a genetics company that collected bull semen, it wasn’t exactly a bullseye start for the man from Devon.
However, Siona eased his opening date nerves with a light joke.
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Per adua ad astra
The date of epic proportions continued to grow stronger as Siona and Liam rolled off quotes from Einstein to Henry Ford, practically finishing each other’s sentences.
Eventually, Liam picked up on a tattoo of Siona that read in French “Per adua ad astra”.
The story had a deep meaning, as Siona opened up bravely about a personal experience.
Siona explained the sexual assault in detail during a heartfelt piece to camera.
She said:
It was a couple of weeks before I graduated when I was 21. I was on a night out with some friends and a stranger. Someone I didn’t know slipped something into my drink and I was raped.
https://twitter.com/LaurenJadeWhit2/status/1133490542149607424
Twitter reacts to Liam and Siona
Siona explained how the assault had hugely affected her dating life and relationships, losing all confidence to talk to men.
She even felt guilt and shame for over six years before deciding to speak with her mum about the incident, who helped her move forward.
Twitter rallied in support for Siona, just as Liam did, who was in admiration that her date was using her experience for good by working as a mental health officer.
At the end of the show, they agreed to date again.
WATCH FIRST DATES EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT ON CHANNEL 4 AT 10 PM
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