A young woman on her phone trying to enlist on an online dating app.
Image: Unsplash
In a curious case of age meeting ambition, Sir Benjamin Slade's quest for love has become a viral sensation, proving that the search for an heir can also be a tale of modern romance.
The 78-year-old millionaire, best known for his extravagant 50-room countryside estate, is back in the spotlight as women across the globe heed the call to "shoot their shot".
It all started when Sir Slade made headlines by joining Tinder, seeking not only companionship but also a potential heir to inherit his fortune and estate.
This quirky foray into the world of online dating has been reignited, thanks to a recently resurfaced clip from the Channel 5 series "Millionaire Age Gap Love", which has amassed nearly two million views on TikTok within 24 hours.
For many, this was the first glimpse into Sir Slade’s capricious yet sincere search for love, and it left viewers amused and captivated.
His journey hasn’t been without its share of narrative twists.
Reports suggest that Slade's quest for a younger partner stems from a 2017 separation from his long-term partner, Bridget Convey, whom he deemed too old to bear children.
With a list of specific requirements - such as having a shotgun licence, a driving licence, and being sprightly enough to potentially provide heirs - his approach is as unconventional as it is entertaining.
In the trending TikTok clip, he enlists the help of Jess, one of his staff members, to navigate the dating app world.
Together, they curate a Tinder profile that features his aspirations and hopes for his future soulmate, presenting a humorous juxtaposition of Sir Slade's stately persona and the frivolity of finding love online.
The digital realm has come alive with responses from women ready to assume the role of Lady Slade.
TikTok commenters have not held back in expressing their excitement, turning this peculiar love quest into a delightful spectacle.
@missxxxx0 playfully declared: “Oh my GOD, he's literally who I have been looking for my entire life! Sir Benjamin! I AM AVAILABLE! 🤣😭 He's adorable!!! I'm 33 and VERY willing to give you an heir!”
Another follower, @molly_heartbreakcoach, quipped: “My husband will understand if I leave him for this assignment. He said he doesn’t mind and can give us a wedding present too.”
And @jessicahutchinson90 added: “I have my c-section in June, and after that, I’m free 😁.”
While a cheeky inquiry from @user930727sm turned heads: “Does the young wife need to be a female?”
The response has been nothing short of hilarious, reflecting a social media culture that welcomes eccentricity and adventure.
Each playful comment reveals a slice of the charm and candour that Sir Slade embodies, making the pursuit of love seem both aspirational and utterly delightful.
As of today, there is still no official word on whether he has found anyone who meets his rather unconventional criteria, but with so many women lining up to express their interest, one thing's for sure: Sir Slade's romantic search has only just begun.
