Anthony Joshua has taken part in a unique dating experiment

Anthony Joshua lifting the lid on his love life

It has long been said that a man’s stomach is the way to his heart, but as it turns out, the same could probably be said for women.

A new study of 2,000 singletons has unveiled that it is a case of ‘love at first bite’ for more than one in five Brits, who admit they decide whether to continue dating someone - based on their FOOD PREFERENCES.

To see how far food really goes in finding love, superstar singleton – Anthony Joshua – has taken part in a unique dating experiment where the heavyweight champ is matched with complete strangers, connected only through their love of the same foods and flavours.

The new film dubbed ‘Love at First Bite’ sees single women compete against each other to see if it is a match made in foodie heaven with the British boxer.

Commissioned by Peperami Chicken Bites, the experiment follows a recent survey, where thousands of singletons unveiled that they would only consider a future with someone if they shared the same taste in cuisine and are considered ‘food compatible’ (23 per cent).

In fact, 14 per cent admitted they would end a budding romance if the person in question had completely different tastes to them.

And 11 per cent have, or would, decide against a second date based on their prospective lover’s food order.

Anthony is the first to enter in the video, taking a seat and telling the camera what he looks for in a love interest.

“Good connection.” he says. “Also, someone who is a foodie, because I love my food as well.”

Then, each of the women introduce themselves, pitching the dish that hopefully will gain the attention of the celebrity dater.

The cheeky chap continues to detail what he is looking for in a potential partner.

“I don’t actually have a particular type. Just someone who gets me, I see beauty in everyone. If we get along, I think that is going to take the person a long way in my list of expectations.”

In recent years, the Watford-native has been deemed a heart-throb all over the world, landing himself on the list for ‘sexiest man alive’.

The usually private father-of-one has rarely spoken about his dating life over the years.

Next, Joshua tastes three dishes created by the mystery chefs. Clearly impressed by all, he struggles to make his decision, but lands on a dish made by brunette beauty, Rikaya.

“Food is important to me. If you want to win a man over ladies, they say food is a way to a man’s heart.” says Anthony.

The Olympian is then joined by his blind date, where they introduce themselves and giggle nervously as they prepare to see if it is love at first bite.

“What do I look for in love? Energy. Connection. I think it’s important that my date likes the same food as me.”

Dishing the dirt on dating do’s and don’ts, the pin-up unveils he skips starters and goes straight to the mains.

As the couple bond and laugh throughout the experience, singleton Rikaya, declares that she likes to eat and doesn’t plan on holding back.

The brunette says, “I’m the type of girl that goes for the burger.”

Asking her celebrity date whether he would mind her ordering a blowout meal, the professional boxer replies, “I want you to feel free, I would want you to finish it!”

The video concludes that love really is possible at first bite – through connection over cuisine, unique scenario, and some amount of physical attraction probably.

With grub the key to getting the guy or girl, according to the survey, more than half believe that someone liking the same dishes and flavours as them makes them more attractive.

17 per cent feel so passionate about it, that they would not go out with someone with different tastes - even if they were a millionaire.

When questioned, respondents declared that they were more likely to judge what is on their dates plate than their shoes, what car they drive and how much money they make!

Incredibly, 30 per cent stated that food was more important to them than sex (17 per cent).

The research also found that a quarter said the person being compatible with them when it comes to food has a strong bearing on whether a date is going well.

Food psychologist, Dr Christy Fergusson, commented on the findings: “Having studied the behavioural patterns behind peoples relationships with food for many years, it isn’t surprising to hear that food plays such an important role when searching for a partner.

“What someone eats and the food choices they make can give important insights into who they are. In dating it helps us to assess if they are going to be a good fit for us and our lifestyle and values.

“Most people recognise that in dating and relationships so much of our interaction is centred around food. Where to go for a meal, what to buy from the supermarket, what to have for lunch, what takeaway to order from. Food choice compatibility can be key in dating.

“It’s clear that we don’t only make decisions about compatibility with our head and our heart – but our taste buds too!”

Depending on the dish in question, 12 per cent would consider walking out on a date purely because of what the other person ordered.

Those who mention food on their online dating profiles are more likely to receive messages from potential suitors.

Foods which Brits think should be avoided on an initial date were found to cover off anything with lots of onion (23 per cent), garlic (36 per cent) or fish (10 per cent).

On the other hand, foods considered ‘safe’ on a first date included chicken (39 per cent), pizza (39 per cent) and steak (39 per cent).

A Peperami spokesman added: “It’s interesting to understand how food can influence who we fall for and how ordering a controversial dish could mean the end of a short-lived romance.

“We want to help Brits find their soulmate, which is why we’re having a go at playing matchmaker. To give us the best chance of creating genuine connections, dishes will contain the most popular food voted by singletons – chicken!

“We’re looking forward to helping those who are often unlucky in love and seeing if it really is love at first bite.”

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