It’s the obsession of the 21st century and the twenty-something singleton – LOVE. But when it comes to dating there are certain types we’d never date. It could be an Essex girl, a posh city boy, a hippie chick or a Young Farmer. In a new series for ITV1, Dating the Enemy aims to put these prejudices to the test to find out.

Running just over a week, five reluctant singletons are packed off for a romantic weekend with someone they’d normally run a mile to avoid. To make matters worse, the weekend takes place deep behind enemy lines and confronts them with everything they hate, to challenge all their preconceptions.

When two worlds collide will Dating the Enemy prove that cupid can triumph and love really does conquer all?

Programme one sees Karolyne, a trainee barrister, with exacting standards about everything in her life, but especially the men, face her enemy – ESSEX BOY.

When Karolyne thinks Essex, she thinks beer swilling, predatory chavs. She said: “They hang out in packs and hunt girls, favourite tipple is Stella Atois, too much gel in their hair…chavs…everything in a guy I wouldn’t go for…nightmare�.

Power plant supervisor Gavin Davies is the stereotypical Essex boy. But he believes he is the one true son of Essex who can win Karolyne round. He said: “I’m confident I can change her mind…as long as she’s got an open mind and is prepared to listen to what I have to say, we’ll be aw’right.�

Karolyne is spending the entire weekend on a date in Gavin’s world … to see if he can win her round to Essex and to win her heart.

The first date seems to only confirm Karolyne’s deepest prejudices as Gavin, wines and dines her over a romantic meal for two – at a leisure complex!? She’s not afraid to admit he is everything she would not go for in a man. When Gavin bravely asks what she does go for, Karolyne replies: “Intellectual, has a degree, speaks languages….sophisticated I guess.â€? It’s not going well as nervous laughter is exchanged as Gavin admits to the only language he speaks is English. A discussion over politics leads to some debate between the two – Gavin proving to pull on the charm offensive while Karolyne just proves to be offensive.

After numerous compliments the ice maid appears to melt and passes a compliment back telling Gavin he has nice teeth.

A gentlemanly goodnight leaves Gavin determined to win her over. “Obviously she is stunning so I’m now going to chat and chat. I’m now going to turn it up even more so as the weekend goes on.�

A day out in Southend on Sea includes a cheap and cheerful authentic fish and chips by the sea – both a first for posh bird Karolyne – threatening to cry, Gavin hands over his coat, which she happy accepts despite leaving him freezing in a t-shirt. Karolyne asks: “Do I look like an Essex girl?� Gavin promises to bring the white stilettos for the night ahead.

An afternoon at Advernture World leaves the couple the time to reflect before the big Saturday night evening date. The self confessed ‘bitchy’ Karolyne is still not convinced, saying: “He’s a simple guy…from a simple place.� A more optimistic Gavin is determined to continue his plan of winning her over. He said: “I think there is a strong possibility in engaging in lip-action before the weekend is over.�

A night out with Gavin’s mates on the tiles may finally have done the trick. Although his pals are less than flattering, Gavin piles on the compliments and along with a few drinks and dances Karolyne seems to be falling for the Essex man’s charm.

But how will the night end – with some ‘lip-action’ or something more? And what will Karolyne make of a traditional Sunday lunch with Gavin’s family?

Is it possible for opposites to attract in just three days? Cupid has his work cut out.

Dating The Enemy Starts On ITV1 Tuesday 14 November 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM