Ireland's favourite dating show, First Dates Ireland, is back for its tenth series and RTÉ Media Sales has announced the programme has a new sponsorship deal with EBS.

The brand-new series returned to Thursday nights on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player at 9:30pm.

The deal with EBS includes 168 EBS credited stings airing across RTÉ2, as well as during series repeats.

It also covers live broadcasts on RTÉ Player, and 30-day catch-up episodes, with sponsor logos on all dedicated promos across television and social media channels.

With a refreshed look, new graphics and colour scheme, series 10 offers plenty of surprises!

10 familiar faces returned to the restaurant once again and the show also features its oldest daters yet – all with the hopes of finding their forever love.

On hand as always with kind words of encouragement, shoulders to cry on and insightful observations on love and life are table angels Alice and Pete, Neil, the world’s friendliest barman and Maitre D’ Mateo Saina.

Nuala Kroondijk, Head of Marketing Engagement with AIB Group said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring First Dates on RTÉ.

“EBS is committed to supporting people as they build their futures, and EBS mortgage advisors know how much it means to find ‘the one’ – whether it’s a life partner or the house you can call home.

“Our team are the perfect partners for people’s mortgage journey, just like the team at First Dates help those looking for love in the restaurant, so we’re thrilled to be sponsors.”

Niall Deegan, Senior Media Sponsorship Manager, Core Sponsorship said: “We’re delighted to be working with EBS and RTÉ on an exciting sponsorship such as First Dates.

“EBS have utilised a suite of bespoke TV stings leaning on the themes of the show that have a humorous yet impactful link to EBS’ existing campaign around their dedicated Mortgage Advisors.”  

Ruth Kennedy, TV Sponsorship Lead at RTÉ added: “RTÉ Media Sales are thrilled to welcome EBS as our new sponsors of First Dates.

“The hit dating series now into its tenth season made a welcome return to RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on January 9, as single people from across Ireland come to the iconic First Dates restaurant in search of their perfect partner.

“This sponsorship is a great fit for EBS to build a connection with its loyal First Dates weekly audience of over 160,000 and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

12 new episodes of First Dates and 2 Best-Of episodes will air through to April on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Photo: Niall Deegan, Senior Media Sponsorship Manager, Core Sponsorship, Nuala Kroondijk, Head of Marketing Engagement with AIB Group, First Dates Maitre D’ Mateo Saina, Ruth Kennedy, TV Sponsorship Lead at RTÉ and First Dates Barman Neil Kenna