Latest news with #producers
Reuters
4 days ago
- Climate
- Reuters
Crop Watch: Divergent pollination outlook for corn: Braun
NAPERVILLE, Illinois, June 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Crop Watch corn fields have notched their third consecutive week of improved health ratings, though some areas still need heat and sun for the crop to really take off. The producers want their corn to be in the best possible state for pollination, a key yield-determining phase. The wide planting window plus cool, limiting temperatures after planting scatter likely pollination dates for the 11 Crop Watch corn fields all throughout July. This means it is too early for a reliable pollination weather forecast and that good conditions now could easily change, come July. As of Sunday, one producer (western Illinois) expected his corn to begin pollination in about two weeks. Three producers (Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska) target the three-week time frame. Four producers (South Dakota, Western Iowa, Eastern Iowa, southeastern Illinois) see their fields pollinating in about a month. Pollination for the remaining three (North Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio) is likely five or more weeks out. Weather-wise, the rest of June is seen as mostly favorable. Warm weather this week will offer a much-needed boost to crops, and a good portion of the Corn Belt has multiple chances for scattered rain showers. Only a couple of producers said that rain is needed somewhat urgently. The others are in a good spot moisture-wise but will be counting on the predicted rains to maintain or improve crop conditions. The 11 Crop Watch producers assign weekly condition scores to their corn and soybean fields using a scale of 1 to 5. The ratings are similar to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's system where 1 is very poor, 3 is average and 5 is excellent. Unweighted, average corn conditions rose to 3.82 from 3.8 a week ago, and that is a better score than at this point last year. Ratings dropped in North Dakota as crops are stalled out in cool, cloudy weather, but the Nebraska and Ohio fields improved this week. The 11-field soybean average comes in at 3.18, easily Crop Watch's worst-ever rating for the week. Ohio joined the ranks this week with a 1, pulling down the average along with North Dakota and southeastern Illinois, both of which also sit in the 1-range. All three of those fields were extremely wet before and after planting, and cool, rainy weather has held back growth. The southeastern Illinois producer places 50% odds on his beans achieving average yields and 0% odds of near-record yields. However, this week's 10-field average soybean rating without Ohio was unchanged on the week at 3.4. Health declines in Western Iowa and North Dakota were offset by improvements in South Dakota, Nebraska and southeastern Illinois. The soybeans in Indiana have begun blooming, which signals the early reproductive phase. However, this will be a long, drawn-out process for the Crop Watch soybeans, and the yield potential will hinge mostly on late-summer rains. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own. Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), opens new tab, your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis of everything from swap rates to soybeans. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI, opens new tab can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X., opens new tab
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Oil Price Surge Sparks Burst of Hedging Among Shale Drillers
The surge in oil futures spurred by the initial missile attacks in the Middle East last week triggered a wave of hedging by producers seeking to lock in the higher prices, keeping some traders up late into the night. AEGIS Hedging Solutions LLC, a Woodlands, Texas-based firm that helps about 350 oil producers with hedging, handled the largest volume and greatest number of trades in its history on the night of June 12 after Israel struck nuclear sites across Iran, according to President Matt Marshall. Trades lasted until 11 p.m. that night and resumed at 7 a.m. the following day, he said.
NHK
4 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Global thirst for matcha strains Japan's tea industry
With consumer demand exploding and overseas rivals emerging, matcha tea producers face pressure to protect tradition and deliver quality. From farm automation to quiet tea rooms, NHK World's John LaDue looks into how they're responding.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
14 Delicious Bourgogne (Burgundy) Wines From Five Different Regions
After recently visiting multiple producers and tasting 130 wines from the Bourgogne region in France, I selected the following 14 bottles from five of its wine producing sub-regions based on their overall quality and value. This renowned French wine region is now pressing to be called Bourgogne rather than its English translation of Burgundy (or Italian translation of Borgogna). The reasons are varied, including that most names of other French wine regions are not translated, and—intriguingly—that the color referred to as 'Burgundy' in English is called 'Bordeaux' in France and Italy. Bourgogne includes 84 distinct appellations, divided into Régional, Village (including Premier Cru) and Grand Cru distinctions, as well as over 1,800 climats—delineated vine plots with unique geological, exposure and hydrological characteristics that produce their own signature aromas/flavors. Prices for wines range widely within Bourgogne, and the region's overall cachet results in a small percentage of its wines commanding notably high prices (although Bourgogne produces 0.4% of the world's volume of wine, that accounts for 4% of global wine trade value). The selected wines below are listed from north to south, within the distinct sub-regions of Chablis & Grand Auxerrois, Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Côte Chalonnais and Couchois, and Mâconnais. All wines listed below are made either from white Chardonnay or red Pinot Noir grapes (although a smaller quantity of often excellent wines are made in the Bourgogne using Aligoté, César, Gamay and other grapes). 'Value' is determined by my proprietary Vino Value algorithm that normalizes and combines subjective tasting scores with objective bottle prices (retail, at cellar door) to identify wines of good (♫), excellent (♫♫) and superlative (♫♫♫) value—providing optimal 'bang for the buck.' Note that prices are local in France, and will be higher in the U.S. due to various factors. Note also that these selected wines represent only a very small sample of many high quality wines of desirable value from Bourgogne. Porte Noël in the city of Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine des Malandes. Fourchaume. AOC Chablis 1er Cru. 2023. 93-94 points. €40.00/$45.60. Excellent Value ♫♫. From Amandine Marchive and Richard Rottiers, whose grandmother began making wines in the region 50 years ago. The family ages most wines in a 70/30 blend of steel tanks and 500 liter Burgundian medium toasted barrels with oak from the Vosges forest. This Chardonnay includes complex aromas of honey and layered tropicals from one of the warmest climats in Chablis. Slightly nutty flavors in a crunchy, enticing mouthful of caramel and slight green apples in this Chardonnay. 'Our goal is to harvest quickly,' Amandine explained. 'Otherwise if it is hot in August you can lose acidity; if it is rainy there is a threat of mildew. We harvest 30 hectares [75 acres] in eight days, hand picking for Premier and Grand Cru plots.' Amandine Marchive of Domaine des Malandes, Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine Verret. Chardonnay. AOC Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxuerre. 2023. 91-92 points. €12.00/$13.70. Good Value ♫. From an estate with 148 acres (60 hectares), this 12.5% Chardonnay is vinified 50/50 in steel and used oak barrels and includes aromas of herbs, green apples, myrtle and slight salinity. Chewy, oily mouth feel in this semi-complex wine with a finish that includes slight caramel and lemon/line flavors. Domaine Gabin et Félix Richoux. Veaupessiot. AOC Irancy. 2021. 92-93 points. €25/$28.50. Excellent Value ♫♫. Irancy is an outlier—a village and appellation producing only red wines within Chablis, which is renowned for its dominant white wines. The village includes 250 residents, of which 10 are winemakers. With vines located above the River Yonne, these second generation winemaker brothers grow Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and César—a rare grape with big clustered bunches. Most of their visitors come from Paris, which is only two hours away by train. This Pinot Noir from a cool year vintage aged two years in oak and includes classic Burgundian aromas, including black currants and black cherries as well as some flint and black pepper. Soft and silky tannins. Gabin Richoux of Domaine Richoux, Irancy, Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine Le Guellec-Ducouet. Clos Champ. AOC Gevrey-Chambertin. 2023. 96-97 points. €44.00/$50.20. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This domaine is owned by two business partners—one a winemaker and the other with roots in banking. Michaël Le Guellec took control over vines controlled by his family since 1920, although previously leased out. They use no chemicals. 'We try to make wines fresh and fruity, which people like to drink soon,' Michaël explained. Wines are exported to Asia, Europe and the U.S. Vines that produced grapes for this 13.5% alcohol Pinot Noir wine were planted between 1933 and 1985. Classic Burgundian aromas, including black pepper and volatiles. Suave tannins in this powerful, hefty, structured beauty of a wine with spice rack and elegance on the finish. Compelling, classic and a bargain. Winemaker Michaël Le Guellec of Domaine Le Guellec-Ducouet in Brochon, Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France, Domaine des Beaumont. AOC Morey-Saint-Denis. 2022. 92-93 points. €43.00/$49.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. Brothers Tanguy and Exupèry, both in their 20's, are 8th generation producers for a family that owns a 13.5 acre (5.5 hectare) estate. The wine is produced from grapes from five different plots and includes edgy aromas of bacon, petrol and wild fennel. This is a dark and hardy Pinot Noir, reminiscent partially of a Colorino, with flavors that include black licorice and star anise. Firm tannic backbone. Pair with grilled beef. Keep going brothers— the results are well worth it! Brothers Tanguy (right) and Exupéry Beaumont, Domaine des Beaumont, Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France Domaine de Montmain. Les Jiromées Grande Tradition. AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits. 2022. 92-93 points. €36.00/$41.10. Excellent Value ♫♫. This wine estate is located up a beautiful valley west of, and perpendicular to, the axis of the hills that form the Côte d'Or. All wines are aged in oak, usually 30% new. Thirty-five year old Mathieu Piedcourt, originally from Cahors, has turned the valley and winery into a popular destination for visitors and sells wines via a thousand member club as well as by direct sales and export. The story of Mathieu is too fantastic to share in this brief space. This Chardonnay spent two years aging in new oak barrels. Aromas are bright, powerful and succulent and include grapefruit, limes and white flowers. The juice is not filtered. 4,000 bottles produced. 'We love what we do and we love to share it with others. Last year we had 8,000 visitors. We receive you whether you buy wine or not. I love wines that are powerful but with finesse.' Mathieu Piedcourt of Domaine de Montmain, Villars-Fontaine, Haut-Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France Maison Louis Latour. Pinot Noir. AOC Bourgogne. 2022. 91-92 points. €20.70/$23.60. Good Value ♫. Louis Latour, a venerable estate that has been in business since 1797, produces not only wines from 119 acres (48 hectares), but owns a cooperage that produces some 3,000 barrels a year—and has done so for centuries. Except for those barrels used in house, all are exported internationally to countries that include Australia and Canada. This 13% alcohol Pinot Noir of solid value includes firm tension between acidity and fruit and is an easy drinking wine to start of a summer gathering. Consider pairing with a dish that includes fat to match its tannic backbone. Cellars with old bottles within Domaine Louis Latour, Beaune, Bourgogne, France Maison Shaps. Les Vaumuriens. AOC Pommard. 2022. 95+ points. €48.00/$54.70. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. Hanna Shaps has been managing this winery for her American father Michael who also produces wine in Virginia in the U.S. 'It's important to be a French-American producer and not an American-French producer,' Hanna explained. The maison is a negociant, and produce some 15 different cuveés and 20,000 bottles per year from four hectares (10 acres) the family owns. This Pinot Noir wine aged 15 months in 50% new oak. Includes sunny, bright, striking and elegant aromas that include sage and black pepper. A wine with heft and structure, shouldered tannins and flavors that include black peppers. A dark, edgy and textured Pinot Noir with sesame and soy on the finish. Hotel de Ville, Beaune, France Bernard et Florian Regnaudot. Clos des Loyéres. AOC Maranges 1er Cru. 2020. €18.00/$20.50. 95+ points. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This domaine is named after the father/son, 3rd/4th generation winemakers. Florian spent time making wine in Winona, Minnesota in the U.S. The Maranges appellation will be the site for the January, 2026 Saint-Vincent Tournante weekend long festival of music, wine and food. From vines planted in 1931, this Pinot Noir wines includes aromas of blackcurrants, black pepper, tobacco and tar. This is a deep, dark, peppery and elegant wine at astonishing value. Gentle fruit and light, slick tannins. Florian Regnaudot of Domaine Bernard and Florian Regnaudot, Santenay, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne, France Domaine de l'Evêché. Édition Limitée. Pinot Noir. AOC Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise. 2022. 92-93 points. €25.00/$28.50. Excellent Value ♫♫. Quentin Joussier, fourth generation winemaker, works with his father Vincent, who bought the winery in 1985. The name of the winery translates to 'the bishop.' This Pinot Noir ages in new barrels and is only produced on years when conditions are optimal. Deep, rich aromas of red cherries, raspberries and some Dutch dorp licorice as well as wild fennel. Well integrated and elegant tannins and easy drinking. Quentin Joussier of Domaine de l'Evêché, Saint-Denis-de-Vaux, Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne, France, Domaine Michel Juillot. Clos du Roi. AOP Mercurey Premier Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. €35.00/$40.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. Beautiful cheery, light, floral aromas in this Pinot Noir. Precise and focused flavors include red cherries. Winemaker Maxime Rolant said that, 'For me, Mercurey is cherries.' No disagreement with that. Maxime Rolant of Domaine Michel Juillot, Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne, France Domaine Montbarbon. En Pommetin. AOC Viré-Clessé. 2023. 92-93 points. €21.00/$24.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. From this estate, on a clear day you can look east and see Mont Blanc, tallest peak in continental Europe. They have 32 acres [13 hectares] of vines, exclusively Chardonnay. Jean-Jacques Féral was a journalist before becoming a winemaker, and won an award for his winemaking in the Mâconnais region in 2022. He works with Martin Froppier. The estate provides vine cuttings to a nursery in the Savoie, which creates massal (rather than clonal) replacement vines for them. This Chardonnay ages eight months in 500 liter oak barrels as well as six months in steel. Aromas of mandarins and menthol and slight salinity. A rich, creamy, delicious wine that includes precise flavors of tropical fruits and slight honey. Pair with chicken, or a caramelized apple tart (tarte tatin). Jean-Jacques Féral of Domaine Montbarbon, Virè, Mâconnais, Bourgogne, France Domaine Auvigue. Au Vignerais. AOP Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru. 2021. 94+ points. €34.00/$38.90. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. The winery is located in a beautifully renovated centuries old church. Sylvain Brenas explained their thinking. 'The idea is to show a different style of Chardonnay. We are in the extreme south of Mâconnais, only a few kilometers from where the Beaujolais appellation begins.' This Chardonnay aged 16 months in a 50/50 combination of steel and oak. Aromas of salinity, pineapple, mangos. Crisp and creamy mouthful with slight menthol and guavas on the finish. Pair with scallops and shallots. Sylvain Brenas of Domaines Auvigue, Fuissé, Máconnais, Bourgogne, France Domaine Corsin. L'Exception. AOP Pouilly-Fuissé. 94-95 points. €39.80/$45.50. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This winery, founded in 1864, gathers grapes from 40 separate plots. The hosts, including Pauline Mussy and Tiphanie Fortune, are casual, down to earth, warm and unpretentious. Their welcoming tasting room inadvertently resembles an Alpine ski lodge. This Chardonnay is made by winemaker Jérémy Corsin using grapes from three different plots and 70 year old vines. It is barrel vinified and barrel aged. Flinty, slightly salty and classic Burgundian Chardonnay aromas. Rich and creamy mid palate with crisp acidity and rich tropical fruits. Winemaker Jérémy Corsin with a bottle of 1997 Domaine Corsin, Mâconnais, Bourgogne, France
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island fans praise show bosses for never-before-seen hidden camera twist as three new bombshells head on solo dates in HUGE cliffhanger
Love Island fans praised show bosses for the never-before-seen hidden camera twist during Friday's episode. The ITV2 show was rocked by three stunning bombshell girls - as they crash boys' night before heading on solo dates in a huge cliffhanger - with the existing ladies watching on a secret camera to see how they react. As day dawned in the villa, Harry got a text, saying: 'Boys, clear your schedules and get ready to leave the vila! #brotime #beersandbants.' The lads were ecstatic, excited for the boys' night ahead - but the evening was not without fun for the girls either. Walking into the garden, they were stunned to see a massive screen, allowing them to hear exactly what their partners were saying about them. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the . For the first time in worldwide Love Island history, the girls watched exactly what the boys get up to as it happens - and the lads had no idea. As they gradually worked out the nature of the set-up, seeing and hearing the boys talking on the enormous screen, an astonished Meg said: 'F*** off!' Alima added: 'We'll get to see how they act!' Fans were ecstatic to see producers were shaking things up from previous years, with one penning on X: 'Okay Love Island UK, you've redeemed yourself, this is what we've been waiting for'; 'Producers are on JOB cause this is amazing! It's giving post card era'; 'And that's how you do it producers stepping their game up' What's worse is the lads' hangout was soon interrupted by three brand new bombshell girls - Emily, Malisha and Yasmin. Megan shouted, 'There's three of them!', as Harry, on-screen, asked the newbies: 'Are you coming back with us?' Malisha replied: 'Of course I am!' The new ladies wasted no time getting to know the boys, with Yasmin saying: 'Tell us what your situation is in the villa at the moment.' With the lads blissfully ignorant of the fact they were being watched, they did not hold back with their answers. Malisha, 24, a teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, has a very clear idea of the kind of guy she is looking for: 'A tall, dark, handsome man. 'He has to be very tall. I'm 5ft7/5ft8. I want to be able to wear heels and feel feminine. He has to be funny, but not too funny; I have to be the funniest. 'I want someone that's caring and a bit loving, but then I like someone that can give me a bit of rude banter. I like to be a bit cheeky. 'I like nice teeth. Someone who's calm, but not too nonchalant. Someone that's really loving and is all about me. 'They need to know what they want. I like a determined man who is like, "I want you and I'm coming for you".' The bombshell is determined to find love in the villa: 'If I want it, I'm going to get it. I always get what I want. I'm an only child, so of course I'm going to get what I want.' Commercial banking executive Yasmin, 24, from London, does not have quite so many requirements, sharing: 'I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter.' Meanwhile, she is immediately put off by any man who is 'stingy'. Yasmin has many self-professed strengths to offer: 'Flirting. I'd definitely say it's all in the eyes.' And, more unusually: 'I can make a really realistic cat sound...' Emily, 24, an insurance development executive from Aberdare, Wales, has a clear vision for her time on the Island: 'Someone with emotional intelligence for one. 'Someone who is really confident but not cocky. They can hold a room, communicate… oh, and biceps!' She is ultimately looking for a real sweetheart, adding: 'I want someone who is just really genuine and kind. I know that sounds so naff, but it's hard to find these days. 'I'd also like a man who genuinely cares about my wellbeing and my feelings and wants to look after me.' The three new bombshells then picked Harry, Conor and Dejon for solo dates, leaving the girls fuming, and leaving fans having to wait until Sunday to watch the drama unfold. Earlier in the episode, Blu Chegini was the second star to be dumped from the Mallorca villa during Friday night's brutal recoupling. Sophie Lee was the first person to be dumped from the island earlier this week after Shakira Khan stole her partner Harry Cooksley, leaving her single. After the arrival of new bombshells Shea Mannings and Remell Mullins, the girls then had to chose who they wanted to recouple with on Thursday night. Newbie Shea and Blu Chegini were left single and a shock text revealed that they would have to pick which of them would go home in a show first. After Thursday's cliffhanger, Blu, 26, was ultimately dumped from the villa after he and Shea refused to pick which one of them would go home. Instead, they forced the safe couples to make the decision for them, with original Islander Blu ultimately getting the fewest votes and being immediately dumped. Both Shea and Blu said they wanted to get to know Shakira more, but after coupling back up with her original partner Ben, she refused to pick which one would stay. Instead, their fellow Islanders ultimately decided they wanted to give new arrival Shea more time to find a potential match, given Blu arrived on the first day. Blu and Shea were left raging after a new rule was introduced, with a text revealing they had to decide which of them went home. Blu was quick to state, 'I ain't f***ing leaving', with Shea also making it clear he wasn't willing to leave, before they forced their co-stars to make the call. Viewers were also particularly shocked that Shea was even put up for elimination, given new bombshells are usually immune during their first recoupling. During Thursday's episode, Alima had kicked the recoupling off, giving Remell a shot after their earlier chinwag. Toni was next, choosing Conor following a smooch they shared, while Megan stuck with Tommy. Helena went for Harry amid their love triangle with Shakira, who went for Ben after the pair were originally coupled up. Meg also stayed put with picking Dejon, leaving Blu and Shea not in a couple. After just 24 hours in the villa, motivational speaker Sophie, 29, was the first star to be booted off the show. Her departure came after the arrival of the first bombshell of the season, American beauty Toni Laites, 24, who decided to steal Ben, 23, off Shakira, 22. This meant that Shakira was left single and had to try and find a connection with someone before the next recoupling ceremony. She managed to leave a lasting impression on Harry, 30, who decided to come forward to recouple with her, leaving his then-partner Sophie single. However, Shakira and Harry's connection wasn't to last as he dashed off to the Hideaway with Helena hours later while Shakira kissed Blu. Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Shakira Khan NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there. NAME: Shea Mannings AGE: 25 FROM: Bristol OCCUPATION: Scaffolder WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing. Remell NAME: Remell Mullins AGE: 24 FROM: Essex OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes. IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional. NAME: Malisha Jordan AGE: 24 FROM: Broxbourne OCCUPATION: Teaching Assistant WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall, dark, handsome man. He has to be very tall. I'm 5ft7/ 5ft8. I want to be able to wear heels and feel feminine. He has to be funny, but not too funny; I have to be the funniest. I want someone that's caring and a bit loving, but then I like someone that can give me a bit of rude banter. I like to be a bit cheeky. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? I have two; bad hygiene and snoring. I'm such an angelic sleeper. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy. NAME: Emily Moran AGE: 24 FROM: Aberdare OCCUPATION: Insurance Development Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone with emotional intelligence for one. Someone who is really confident but not cocky. They can hold a room, communicate… oh, and biceps! WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? Bad manners, being rude, not saying please and thank you. I'd rather someone be overly polite than not say it at all.
