First Dates fans weep as Siona bravely opens up about sexual assault during inspirational date wit

Fans of First Dates balled their eyes out in episode 7 as mental health worker Siona opened up about an experience of sexual assault.

Positive, brave and boasting an infectious smile, Siona proved the inspirational TV experience of Tuesday night (May 28th).

Here’s how her date with Liam unfolded and how she summoned the courage to speak out on national TV.

Credit to Siona who is a very brave woman to tell us her story #FirstDates

— David Patterson (@DPatz13) May 28, 2019

View TweetScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and Liam

Meet Siona and Liam

The 29-year-old immediately bridged the gap about her teeth, where she explained how having a gap between your gnashers means you’re going to be “rich, successful and good in bed”.

Apparently…

Screenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and Liam

Sinoa was looking for a man who loved the outdoors… although not as much as Stig of the Dump.

Her date was 30-year-old Liam from Devon, who was looking for a happy and smiley woman who was naturally pretty.

Match made in heaven, eh…

Screenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and Liam

A date of giggles and blushing

Sonia charmed viewers with her natural humour and charisma, while Liam was innocently honest and kind throughout.

Having opened the date explaining that he worked for a genetics company that collected bull semen, it wasn’t exactly a bullseye start for the man from Devon.

However, Siona eased his opening date nerves with a light joke.

Screenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Siona and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Siona and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Siona and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Siona and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Siona and Liam

Per adua ad astra

The date of epic proportions continued to grow stronger as Siona and Liam rolled off quotes from Einstein to Henry Ford, practically finishing each other’s sentences.

Eventually, Liam picked up on a tattoo of Siona that read in French “Per adua ad astra”.

The story had a deep meaning, as Siona opened up bravely about a personal experience.

Siona, you are amazing, beautiful and brave. Thank you for using your terrible experience to help others. Wishing you and the gorgeous Liam all the best. 🙏🏼🥰 🐮 🐄#firstdates

— Laura Main (@Lauramainey) May 28, 2019

View TweetScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and Liam Screenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and Liam

Siona explained the sexual assault in detail during a heartfelt piece to camera.

She said:

It was a couple of weeks before I graduated when I was 21. I was on a night out with some friends and a stranger. Someone I didn’t know slipped something into my drink and I was raped.

https://twitter.com/LaurenJadeWhit2/status/1133490542149607424

Screenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 - Sonia and LiamScreenshot: First Dates 2019 episode 7 – Sonia and Liam

Twitter reacts to Liam and Siona

Siona explained how the assault had hugely affected her dating life and relationships, losing all confidence to talk to men.

She even felt guilt and shame for over six years before deciding to speak with her mum about the incident, who helped her move forward.

Twitter rallied in support for Siona, just as Liam did, who was in admiration that her date was using her experience for good by working as a mental health officer.

At the end of the show, they agreed to date again.

What a brave and strong lady… Siona deserves to find true love and happiness ❤️ #channel4 pic.twitter.com/QUCXWoEw98

— First Dates ❤️ (@FirstDates) May 28, 2019

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Good luck to Siona & Liam 👍 #firstdates

— GD1892 (@xxGeorge1892xx) May 28, 2019

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Siona #FirstDates to take that horrific experience+turn it round to do something so positive – FUCKING AMAZING (sorry to swear but sometimes it's necessary!!) ❤💪

— @cakeforall (@cakeforall1) May 28, 2019

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Siona’s story is so sad but she seems like a really wonderful person ❤️👊🏻 #FirstDates

— Angela Higgins (@AngelaHgns) May 28, 2019

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WATCH FIRST DATES EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT ON CHANNEL 4 AT 10 PM

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