DAVID Smith won celebrity status when he was stood up in front of millions on TV's Blind Date - but a second chance at love is set to make him a star again.

The 28-year-old Craven man has spoken exclusively to the Herald about how London Weekend Television took pity on him and invited him back to record a Blind Date Special so that he could pick a girl who would be more forthcoming.

And hostess Cilla Black was right when she hugged David and told him: "We'll sort you out with someone this time chuck".

The caravan park manager from Threshfield recently returned from a dream trip to Hong Kong with 27-year-old Kelly Rice, from Windsor, although David says viewers might be disappointed if they are looking for a long-term romance.

His head is still spinning from the media attention he has received, but more overawed at his royal treatment during his two Blind Dates, especially his solo trip to Nepal in the new year, when Charlotte Harrison failed to show up.

David said: "They called me up asking if I would like to have another go because all these girls had written in for a date with me.

"They set up another show and it will be shown as a Blind Date exclusive. When I went down to London Studios I was amazed at the amount of people who remembered me. Even the reception girls recognised me when I walked in the door.

"I was overwhelmed when Cilla saw me backstage and gave me a big hug. I gave a big sigh of relief and my nerves went for a while.

"The producers had kept the audience in the dark about me being there and then the warm-up man started building me up, telling everyone how they were in for a special treat.

"It was so nerve-wracking because I knew this time the girls behind the screen would have a pre-conceived idea about me.

"In Nepal there was only me to talk to the camera so I just had to do it and I probably came across as this cocky character, but it's just not me. I just hoped whoever I picked wasn't disappointed."

On the trip to Hong Kong, David said he wasn't sure how to play the romance, despite being gently egged on by the camera crew.

He explained: "Kelly was fancyable but whatever you do you can't win. If you try it on they will put you up as a Romeo.

"When we got back for the sofa chat, I told Cilla that just because Kelly had written in and went on a Blind Date with me I didn't have a God-given right to molest her.

"It's a very manufactured situation. To me romance is classic boy-meets-girl and there has to be some fire there."

This romantic outlook, along with David's easy-going manner, has won him many fans across the country, and numerous offers from agents promising to break him into showbiz.

But the Dalesman has his feet planted firmly on the ground. "I have had a few offers from agents asking me to go on this and accept that. But I like my life here. This is stability and security.

"I have done extra work for Emmerdale, a photo shoot with Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby for The Sun and YTV did their own blind date for me.

"But showbusiness is very fickle and for some oik from the hills like me to go into it...I couldn't handle it. At the end of the day I went on the show for a laugh and to surprise my mates.

"But to be treated like a King for a whole week, not just once, but twice is exceptional. I couldn't do it for life but it was a real ego boost while it lasted and I can always carry the experience with me."

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