A great-grandmother from Folkestone is set to appear on a special edition of a popular TV dating show tonight.

Merle Gibbins, 72, is starring in an over 50s special of the Saturday night show Take Me Out, which is filmed at Maidstone Studios.

The show's usual format sees matchmaker Paddy McGuinness show off three single men to 30 women, who indicate whether they like what they see using lights on their stands, from the show's catchphrase 'No Likey, No Lighty'.

Successfully matched couples are then whisked away on holiday to the 'Isle of Fernandos' to get to know their partner better.

But for one night only, three older gentlemen will brave the 'love lift' to meet the ‘Flirty Thirty’ single Golden Girls, including Merle, who is looking for her ‘happily ever after’.

Ms Gibbins has been widowed for nearly three years now after her fifth husband passed away.

She told the Folkestone and Hythe Express why she applied for the show, where viewers could she her potentially meet husband number six: "I sent the email to the my daughter and said 'What do you think?'

"I just thought it was time to get out there again.

"It was the first time I've ever been on TV. I'll remember it forever.

"We weren't prompted. It had to be off the top of your head.

"It was the best day of my life. It was an unforgettable experience."

Ms Gibbins was born in Gravesend and also lived in South Africa for 12 years.

She continued: "I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect man to be honest.

"Just someone who makes you laugh, with a sense of humour. Not the jealous type and must love children and animals."

Ms Gibbins has three sons and four daughters, one of whom passed away in recent years. She is also a grandmother to 19, and has seven great-grandchildren.

She said her family saw the funny side to her application, and anyone who's single should apply: "They said 'Mum, trust you!' They know I'm up for a laugh.

"I would say just go for it, just for the experience!"

Take Me Out has played Cupid to many couples over the years and its format has sold in 33 territories around the world.

The UK version has resulted in seven weddings, soon to be eight, and five babies.

Host Paddy McGuinness said: “I’m swapping the love lift for a stair lift for this one-off special!

"Proving that it’s never too late to date, I’ve gathered together 30 fabulous older ladies hoping to match with the silver fox of their dreams.

"It’s a really heart-warming show and a lot of fun."

Joining Merle is a former nun and an ex-girlfriend of Hollywood-heartthrob Jason Statham.

To find out if Paddy finds Merle a date, tune into ITV tonight at 8pm.