'Overwhelming' feedback for matchmaking series filmed in St Helens

'Love on the Rocks' is an independent series produced by a local production company Start8 Productions, and consisted of three episodes which aired online last month.

Filmed at the Manor Farm Pub in Rainhill, the dating series looked for local people to find love in an unusual setting - following the format of traditional dating series but adding unique twists such as dating games, documented off-screen moments and the aftermath of the dates.

The production was filmed in collaboration with the admins of the Facebook group Rainhill Rocks, who wanted to show off the village and highlight the weird and wonderful characters that make up the community.

Donna Madge was one of the hosts of 'Love on the Rocks'

Although no immediate matches were made from the short series, the organisers stated they have received an "overwhelming and positive" reception of the show - with hundreds of applicants who did not make the show invited to a future speed dating night and continue the theme of matchmaking.

Jill Cooke, an admin at Rainhill Rocks, said: "The messages into Rainhill Rocks have been overwhelming and positive and the matchmaking is still going on behind the scenes from people who applied but didn't get on the show.

"We had a lot of singles saying that they want to find a partner but did not want to appear on film [and] due to the feedback from LOTR we are going to be holding a 'Singles Night' in in the very near future in Rainhill."

Behind the scenes footage of the series, filmed at the Manor Farm Pub in Rainhill

With the independent series made with little budget, the organisers expressed their gratitude for the support of residents who watched and shared the show.

Presenters and contestants have also been recognised while out and about and have found "local fame" in St. Helens, while the Manor pub - which accommodated the filming and food - has received extra footfall since the series was aired.

Reflecting on the series, Start8 Productions said: "Our most recent factual series ‘Love On The Rocks’ has been received relatively well by our 18-25+ target audience. 

"We want to thank everybody who has streamed the series so far, we hope you have enjoyed watching.

"Unfortunately at this time, [Start8] have no current plans to renew ‘Love On The Rocks’ for a second series.

"We continue to hold a healthy relationship with [Rainhill Rocks] and will hopefully work collaboratively again in the future."

To watch Love on the Rocks online, visit their Youtube page here.