As Mel (using her zoom lens for max discretion) and I observe from a safe vantage point, it's a nail-biting time. They certainly seem to have plenty to talk about, they're tucking in with enthusiasm and the body language is languid and relaxed.

From there it's barely a hop, skip and a jump to Holland Park, where Sarah and Hugh almost instinctively head for the most romantic spot, near the open-air theatre, Japanese garden (and the loos!). Well, it must be West London's answer to a couples' resort, as the place is swarming with lovers, and even a few of their kids. As Mel (using her zoom lens for max discretion) and I observe from a safe vantage point, it's a nail-biting time. They certainly seem to have plenty to talk about, they're tucking in with enthusiasm and the body language is languid and relaxed.

'If it comes out all right, I've just got the romantic shot,' announces Mel at one point. 'They just look completely relaxed and the light from the sunset is perfect.'

After the food and wine has been completely exhausted, the opera's drawing to a close and dusk has set in big style, they beckon us over and Hugh suggests going on to a pub. Sarah has to meet with her flatmate, who's going abroad to live the following morning, so they go their separate ways. But we're itching to know whether they go for an encore, and make a beeline straight for the phone the following morning to find out how things had really gone.

Click here for Sarah's side of the story.
Or to read what Hugh reckoned to Sarah, click here.
If you want to know what Jon thought about it all, click here.

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