NTU dating show Trent Me Out returns for a Valentine’s Day special
Valentine’s Day at Nottingham Trent University saw the return of our iconic live event Trent Me Out. The night promised a sold-out crowd, romance, drama, and – most importantly – free pizza for the lucky couples. Our ever-charismatic host Nana brought the night together alongside a lineup of hopeful singles for an evening of amorous entanglements, hilarious rejections, and some truly unforgettable talents.
Eight single ladies took their place on the stage, ready to find their perfect match (or at least a date for the night). Lights were at the ready and it was time for the boys to step up.
Our first leading lad was Ben, 23, from Northampton. Ben started strong with only one red light coming from a wary Eloise, who feared potential shared hometown connections. However, the testimonial from friends revealing his passion for Ocean (which was booed by the crowd) and his role as the history social sec was a dealbreaker for Caitlin, and with the loss of her light, Ben met a total blackout. No passenger princesses were boarding his ride tonight.
Secondly came Robert, 23, from Surrey. Upon first impressions, only Ellie was turned off due to their height difference, although she enjoyed the boldness of a bright red shirt. Though his theatre-loving charms, a desire for “something casual” and a fondness for Pepper Rocks seemed to only serve as a red flag to half the panel. However, a rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ had burlesque performer, Emily, buzz out. This led to Robert heading to ‘FerLanding’ solo.
Next was Sam, 22, from Coventry. Entering with leather braces receieved a mixed reaction from the girls. Sam was met a harsh start with five instant rejections – with Lily dismissing their shared hometown connection. Vicky saw potential in his cheesy charm… or perhaps the scent of mozzarella pizza called her name instead. Sam’s talent was telling terrible dad jokes, which won the hearts of the crowd but lost the two remaining girls at the last moment. Until Ellie had a change of heart, turning her light back on and leading to our first match of the night!
Whilst Sam and Ellie were busy sharing pizza and drinks at ‘FerLanding’, Ben and Robert returned to the stage for their shot at redemption. Now the power was in their hands. The pair posed cocktail–based compatibility questions to new arrivals, Mia from Brighton and Scouse Sophia, and both were whisked away on a double date.
Trent Me Out Veteran, Ed, 20, came in with experience, but did he have luck? Beth met the “return of the Fern” with an instant lights off due to a height-based concern, whilst Caitlin was lost over discovering his penchant for pool which was a deal breaker for her. Still, Ed held on with Sofia and Eloise and a divisive talent for trombone came next. Vicky thought the performance was ‘too intense’, but in the end, Sofia was the last light standing. With plans to make carrot cake, they made a wholesome match, and the pair made their way upstairs.
The moment that Birmingham-born Mackenzie entered the stage, every light was left on for the towering fitness fanatic. The self-proclaimed “green flag” had his options open. Testimonials from his friends only added to a very genuine hype, describing Mackenzie as the “perfect human being” and having skills in cooking, skiing and being “too well-behaved”. His baritone rendition of John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ sealed the deal. With a standing ovation from the crowd, a row of lights was left on for his choosing.
With the power in his hands, Mackenzie questioned the girls on their perfect dream dates. Between suggestions of crazy golf, all the way to a new addition, Tay of Manhattan, pitching a Korean cooking date, the competition was strong. However, the last-minute arrival of Rosie, whose timing couldn’t have been better, stole his heart. The two were cheered on as they made their way up to a secluded pizza date.
A bandaged head and a “bad reputation” preceded the entry of our final single, Ben, 20, from Essex. Vicky immediately buzzed out, claiming she’d “heard tales” about this particular Ben. Nana enquired if Ben was truly a bad boy Lothario, or just a misunderstood American Football player. However, the VT from his friends assured that Ben, despite being a lady-killer, was sweet, caring, and most certainly to be trusted. Ben’s talent? With a guitar in hand, Ben sang his rendition of a Beaker classic. The combined effort of a tidy mullet, puppyish smile and roguish charm brought Ben and Lilly together. Our final match of the night!
With our matches made, and the night coming to a close, it was time to catch up with our cozied-up couples. Robert and Sophia seemed to be on shaky grounds and an uncertain future lay before them, however, Ben and Mia shared “absolute” potential for a second date, despite her still waiting on the reveal of his county-based talent.
Ellie and Sam, after a further exchange of sweet jokes confirmed a second date over coffee. Ed claimed that he found a match to his humour in Sophia, and Instagrams were exchanged. But are they more friend-zone than FeLanding? Only a potential reappearance from the Trent Me Out veteran could confirm.
Mackenzie and Rosie shared an instant connection, Rosie even admitting she had eyes for the gentle giant since he caught her eye earlier, backstage. A second date seemed imminent. In the final booth, we met Ben and Lilly with a mix of giggles and confusion. She’s here for the drinks and he’s here for the pizza, though with ideas for a future bike lesson, we’ll call it potentially promising?
So, did this year’s Trent Me Out find true love? Only time will tell. But what is for sure, the night delivered with entertainment, heartbreak, and a heap of laughs to last us until next year. We’ll certainly be back to enjoy it with you.
Featured image by Ella Beecroft
