Viewers of First Dates Ireland were left shocked on Thursday night when two best friends, on a double date, decided to swap partners halfway through the evening. Returning to the First Dates restaurant after previously taking part in the show last year, Hansun (and his drag alter ego Pluto) and his best friend Cillian opted for a double date this time, creating an evening full of unexpected twists.

Hansun’s date, Mark, an art student, arrived in style, donning a crochet crop top of his own design. Meanwhile, Cillian was paired with Carl, a Wicklow native, who was reportedly left speechless by Cillian’s confident and flirtatious demeanour. During a discussion about his career working with children with autism, Carl described himself as “a giver”, prompting Cillian to respond, “I’m a taker.”

Hansun and Mark seemed to hit it off initially, bonding over their mutual love of horror films and vintage clothing. However, despite being seated at nearly opposite ends of the restaurant, Hansun and Cillian managed to grab each other’s attention by throwing a bread roll across the room.

The pair then disappeared to the bathroom together, while Mark and Carl took the opportunity to debrief. Mark admitted that things weren’t going particularly well with Hansun, setting the stage for an unexpected shake-up.

Upon their return, Hansun and Cillian announced they would be doing a ‘switcheroo’, swapping partners mid-date. However, their plan was swiftly cut short when restaurant staff intervened, reminding them that First Dates was “not a speed dating show.”

Viewers reacted with a mixture of amusement and disbelief at the duo’s antics.

Cillian did not just say that 🙈😅😂#FirstDatesIrl

— Alan (@Sam1AmNot) February 20, 2025

Were they told off for switching dates?? AWKWARD 😂 #firstdatesirl

— b (@hellothisisbea) February 20, 2025

Despite the drama, the original pairings ultimately didn’t lead to romance. Reflecting on the experience, Hansun commented, “There wasn’t a spark there, but I think I made a really good friend today.” Mark agreed: “I think friends is definitely the way to go.”

As for Cillian and Carl, while they managed to move past the flirtation and engage in a meaningful conversation, Carl ultimately concluded that friendship was the best path for them. Cillian summed it up perfectly, saying, “If it don’t resonate, then it don’t resonate.”

However, the real surprise came at the end of the episode, when it was revealed that Hansun and Carl had actually formed a romantic connection in the aftermath of their chaotic evening.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RTÉ2 (@rte2)

Speaking to GCN, Hansun reflected on their unexpected love story: “Carl and I met under the strangest of circumstances. The lore goes deep, and most people didn’t get to see everything that happened before, during, and especially after filming. They cut it down quite a bit for TV.”

He continued, “Carl and I went on a private date after filming and spent the day chatting, drinking, and really getting to know each other on a deeper level. The rest I’ll keep to myself! All in all, I’m really pleased to know him–and oh my, what a looker!”

It seems that sometimes, taking a risk (and then some) really does pay off!