Suli and Abigo Rate Blind Date 9 and 10, Plan Cinema Outing

Q: Beyond the column, what is the real success rate for these media-matched couples?

There is no verified overall success rate for The Guardian’s “Blind Date” couples beyond the published first-date write-ups. The column records how each date felt on the night and whether the pair planned to meet again, but the available material does not show a systematic follow-up on how many couples formed lasting relationships. In Suli and Abigo’s case, the signs are unusually strong: both rated the date highly, both wanted a second meeting, and they had already planned a cinema date. That makes them a promising match, but not yet evidence of long-term success. The broader evidence in the supplied material is thin and mostly anecdotal. It includes other upbeat Guardian pairings, such as Josh and Hannah, and less romantic outcomes, such as Laurine and Theo deciding to meet only as friends. That suggests the column produces a mix of romance, friendship and one-off encounters, but not a measurable long-term hit rate. The only concrete figure in the provided material comes from a separate curated blind-date business, which reported 3 of 14 matched couples still dating, with one in a committed relationship. That is roughly 21%, but it cannot be treated as a proxy for The Guardian column because the format, screening and goals are different. So the most accurate answer is that the “real” success rate for these media-matched couples is unknown. The public record shows some genuine successes, but no reliable aggregate statistic.

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 11

Suli gave the date 9 out of 10 and Abigo a perfect 10, with both saying they want to meet again and are already planning a cinema trip.
At Gaucho in Manchester, both described an easy rapport after early nerves, talking about mental health, family, work, music and more before continuing the conversation in a nearby park.
Abigo called Suli genuine, charming and layered, while Suli described her as charming, confident, funny and intelligent, with both saying they would happily introduce the other to friends.
The few awkward notes were minor: Suli said he wished he had made a move, while Abigo said the only uncomfortable moment was hearing he already had another date lined up.