With 75 per cent more women than men in the 35-plus group on the speed-dating circuit, organisers are restricting the number of females joining.

Busy lifestyles, burgeoning divorce rates and less pressure to settle down means the number of older people looking for love has risen. But while women join dating events in droves, men are very reticent.

“We would be able to put on three times more events if it wasn’t for the shortage of guys," explains Dan Yorke, of speed date organisers Xfactordates.

Men are so scarce that Dan is scouring blue-chip companies and sports clubs in search of the elusive Gents group.

Sex expert Dr Petra Boynton said: “The common reaction is that men just can’t be bothered to go speed-dating, but I think there’s a lot of fear."