A 61-YEAR-OLD singleton from Bradford will appear on ITV's This Morning as part of a new matchmaking segment which will see contestants wined and dined in Italy.

Cecilia Ponter, who lives in Wibsey, was flown out to a historic castle turned hotel in the Umbrian Mountains for 'Matchmaker Mountain'.

The show, presented by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, follows three men and three women - all over 50 - on their quest for love.

The group will embark on a series of dates, including a drinks mixer in the Italian countryside and a private dance lesson from Shirley herself, teaching the Viennese Waltz.

Cecilia, who was whisked off with just a week's notice, said: "I just finished work and I thought I'd sit with a cup of tea and watch a little bit of This Morning.

"It came up 'If you're over 50 looking for love and single'.

"It was all expenses paid.

"We met Shirley - she was beautiful, really lovely, really down to earth.

"She ate meals with us, drank with us on an evening."

And, unable to reveal any information about her love life, Cecilia says it went well as she searched for a man with similar interests who is "good in the sack".

She explained to the Telegraph & Argus: "I just mentioned it! When you get to my age you know what it's like.

"Men are not quite the same.

"I didn't give a list out.

"I was trying to find someone who was the same - I like to go out walking a lot.

"It went well."

The Bradfordian, who first made her on screen debut as an extra in The Calendar Girls, said the experience was "very enjoyable".

Cecilia, known as Celia by her friends and family, still keeps in touch with the other two ladies on Matchmaker Mountain.

The female contestants include 57-year-old Jane from Wrexham and 50-year-old Sharon from Manchester.

Shirley Ballas said: "I'm hoping that the ultimate romance of Italy will inspire them to find love. The chemistry this series is electric."

66-year-old Laurence, who has been single most of his life, is just one of the trio up for grabs.

The Londoner describes himself as "a shy renaissance man".

64-year-old Nick from Surrey is on the hunt for "someone who makes my heart flutter".

But Nick, who has been single for four years, admits he can sometimes talk too much.

While Don from Dorset advertises himself as someone who "finds laughter in every situation".

The 64-year-old said he has a "Monty Python style humour".

This Morning's editor Martin Frizell said: "Matchmaker Mountain was a huge hit with our viewers earlier in the year and now Shirley is back on This Morning to work her romantic magic one more."

People can watch the 'Matchmaker Mountain' series 2 finale on This Morning from 10.30am today (Wednesday, September 17) on ITV.