A pub landlord from Swindon has starred in the newest series of Channel 4’s First Dates.

Series 22 of the popular show was filmed at The Botanist restaurant in Bath and episode five, featured pub landlord Sam.

Sam, 36, from Swindon, was partnered with Jo, 43, a catalogue buyer from Bristol, who had been single for two and a half years and said she had “not had a great deal of luck with dating.”

As she described her type as “tall, handsome and tattooed”, the camera cut to Sam, and after ordering a mojito and engaging in a bit of awkward small talk about sticky pub carpets, the pair were seated at a table in the restaurant.

Sam told the production crew he had previously worked in a bar in Hollywood, adding: “I’m just an English kid from Swindon who suddenly found himself in LA. My first night Jennifer Lopez walks in, straight up to me – can I have a martini?

“I’ve always been a bartender and I just love chatting to people and making an exciting environment for people.”

He said: “I’m attracted to people who see the world the same way I do. It’s all about positive energy with me. Be positive and you’ll have a great life.

“I know deep down when I meet the one, my heart’s going to flutter, I’m going to feel that. Until I feel it, I’m not interested, not until my heart tells me it’s right.”

While they were waiting for the food to arrive, Sam told Jo he had travelled around bartending, including working in Magaluf at 18, working at ski resorts and moving to America for several years.

The pair bonded over 'Friends' and tattoos and Sam even went to the bathroom to ring his mum and update her, saying he was on a date with a “really lovely lady.”

(Image: Channel 4)

Meanwhile, the episode cut to Jo telling the crew about her battle with alopecia, explaining that taking her wig off is a “big gauge of trust” and her way of showing she feels comfortable around someone, before removing it in front of Sam.

He said she looked “beautiful” and “lovely with or without”, later telling her it was “really brave to do that on a first date.”

Both Sam and Jo confidently agreed to wanting to see each other again and viewers saw them walking hand in hand to get a drink together after their date had ended.