A man who had been stood up by his online girlfriend 13 times finally met her in person after speaking for three years on tonight’s Catfish UK.
Neil, 35, from Enfield fell for property manager Jasmin, 34, after spotting her on social media.
The couple both live in north London, and talk for hours on the phone every week, but have never met despite their proximity.
In tonight’s episode the hosts Julie Adenuga and journalist and author Oobah Butler even contacted US host Nev Schulman for help, with the expert internet detective saying Jasmin was showing all the signs of a classic catfish.
Inspired by the hit US TV show, which has run for eight series, the highly-anticipated British spin-off premiered last week to delighted fans, while tonight’s second episode seeing equally shocking twist and turns.
Neil, 35, from Enfield, north London fell for property manager Jasmin, 34, after spotting her on social media.
But hopeless romantic Neil believed Jasmin was who she says she is, and says he loves Jasmin’s vibe and whenever he thinks about her he just can’t stop smiling, as she’s ‘touched his heart’.
‘She’s caring, considerate, compassionate, gorgeous obviously. But its never nice to be stood up, there’s no face time.
‘Most people say “why would you even bother?”. But we get on so well I think there might be a deeper issue,’ he told hosts Julie and Oobah.
Neil added that he started developing feelings after speaking for a year, and the first time they tried to meet up he didn’t push back when she cancelled last minute.
Instead he offered to cook for her, but again she failed to turn up.
‘It was just Groundhog Day, just air,’ he said.
In tonight’s episode the hosts even contacted Nev for help, with the expert internet detective saying Jasmin (pictured) was showing all the signs of a classic catfish
‘It then just went from bad to worst, I organised a picnic and she called last minute saying she had a family emergency. I was left alone with a bottle of wine.’.
He added that she deleted her first Instagram account, which made him think she may have a boyfriend, but later set up a new account.
‘This is classic Catfish,’ Julie to Oobah as they start investigating.
‘This person has something to hide, it’s going to be an intense ride,’ Oobah added, ‘I can’t ignore there are so many red flags, I’m a bit scared about what we’re gonna find’.
When looking at her Instagram, Julie and Oobah discover a comment left on one of Jasmin’s pictures by her friend Edie and get in touch with her to learn more.
Hosted by radio and TV presenter Julie Adenuga and journalist and author Oobah Butler, each week Catfish UK will be helping love-struck hopefuls get to the bottom of their online relationships and uncover the truth of who they have been speaking to. In tonight’s episode the hosts even contacted Nev for help, with the expert internet detective saying Jasmin was showing all the signs of a classic catfish (pictured)
Jasmin, 34, (pictured) has been single for three years and is a property manager
Edie tells them ‘there’s more to the story’ and that it’s ‘a bit complicated’ and they ‘need to speak to her about it’.
They also notice Jasmin’s Instagram bio says she’s signed to modelling agency Buzz Talent, and they call the agency who confirm.
They reveal she signed up in lockdown, meaning she hadn’t met with agents in person.
‘It feels like there’s something bigger and darker, something that we’re missing, is this a Neil thing? We need to do our due diligence,’ Oobah adds.
After searching Neil’s Facebook profile, they notice his relationship status is ‘married’.
‘Do you think Jasmin’s seen that he’s married and decided not to meet up with this guy?’ Julie asks.
However, after later meeting up with Neil, he reveals he’s divorced and started speaking to Jasmin after the split from his wife.
Eventually Julie decides just to call Jasmin, and explains they want to meet.
‘I know this is a bit of an abrupt call, but we were really hoping to get you and Neil together in a room. You’ve been speaking for a long time and he’d really like to meet you.
But when the team turn up at Jasmin’s address, a man opens the door and says he has ‘no idea’ who Jasmin is.
Hopeless romantic Neil believed Jasmin was who she says she is, and says he loves Jasmin’s vibe and whenever he thinks about her he just can’t stop smiling, as she’s ‘touched his heart’
Neil added that he started developing feelings for Jasmin (pictured) after speaking for a year, and the first time they tried to meet up he didn’t push back when she cancelled last minute
The couple were talking for three years and regularly chat on the phone but had never met up in person with Jasmin standing Neil up 13 times despite living nearby (Jasmin is pictured)
Two months later, Julie and Oobah video called them, where they revealed they’re still together with Neil saying ‘Jasmin is the one’. Neil is pictured
‘I don’t understand what just happened, that could be Jasmin,’ Oobah says. ‘He could change his voice, it’s not difficult to manipulate people online.’
‘It’s like a big game,’ Neil adds. ‘I need answers’.
Oobah then calls Jasmin, who doesn’t pick up, and then leaves a message saying they need answers and they want to meet tomorrow.
‘If you care about Neil and you respect him at all, you’ll show up,’ he adds.
Later that evening Oobah and Julie call Nev to get advice.
‘Thirteen times? That’s a record,’ Nev says.
After adding that they were stood up again today, Nev says: ‘Guys, 14 times! This is just screams classic catfish.
‘We’ve had a few episode where the Catfish just didn’t show. As unsatisfying as that is, it also forces Neil to make the decision for himself that he doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.
The next day, Oobah and Julie meet up with Neil who travel to meet Jasmin.
After waiting in the car park for Jasmin to arrive, Oobah spots the man that answered the door at Jasmin’s address step out a car holding a rose.
‘What is going on?’ Julie asks, nervously.
‘Why is he holding a rose?’ Neil asks.
But their fear quickly subdues when Jasmin follows the unnamed man out of the car, later explaining he’s ‘really good friend’.
‘I’m sorry about yesterday,’ Jasmin confesses to Neil after finally meeting him.
‘I didn’t really know what was going on. I got a call, and then I wasn’t expecting it. I had to get someone to check it out for me. It was one of my closest friends. I needed him to make sure it was safe for me.’
‘I was just scared,’ she adds.
‘I don’t understand why so many times, once or twice I get it, but I don’t feel the respect level is the same,’ Neil hits back.
‘Yesterday I was at my breaking point. It’s not even pride, it’s hurt. I’ve been ready for three years, I still feel like I don’t know why so many times.
‘I’ve struggled so much, I would get ready and get dressed, but when it comes to it I’ve talked myself out of it. I am truly sorry, none of it’s been intentional.
‘I have no confidence whatsoever when it comes to men. My past relationships have been controlling and it’s traumatised me,’ she added.
‘Your reasons are valid, no woman should have to go through that at all,’ Neil replied.
‘Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand, I want to be happy and I’m there to support you 100 per cent,’ he added.
The couple then share a kiss and walk off together hand-in-hand.
Two months later, Julie and Oobah video called them, where they revealed they’re still together with Neil saying ‘Jasmin is the one’.
Catfish UK airs 9pm Wednesdays on MTV