Norfolk farrier Mark is one of eight rural dwellers looking for the one on the new BBC 2 dating show Love in the Countryside.

The 52-year-old will be helped by farmer's daughter Sara Cox in his quest for love but what kind of woman has Mark got his eye on? Here he explains all.

Do you find it tough meeting women working on a farm?

I work for myself and it's very difficult to try and find somebody. Then if you do find somebody, they are either spoken for or not interested.

What kind of woman are you looking for?

I am a little bit picky. I do like a certain type and as an ex-smoker, I'm a bit anti-smoking. I don't mind a girl who can sink a pint or two and it doesn't matter if they are brunette, a redhead or blonde. I've been single now for 15 months and I just want to meet someone who will put up with me.

What kind of boyfriend do you make?

I am gregarious, nice and I do have a bit of romance in me. I buy flowers and I think I would make someone a good husband. Everyone has always told me this. It's just trying to find the right person. I want someone who can muck in on the farm and get on with it.

Do you like your music?

I like my 80's music. I listen to the radio all the time; I go to the local quiz night on a Wednesday evening. They always know we should do well on the music questions.

So how are you feeling? Nervous or excited?

I am just going to get on with it. It's the easiest way to do it. I am going to see what happens. I have thought about the fact I am going on a date on television but my friends have sat me down and rightly told me: 'You will never get this opportunity again, so enjoy it.' It's exciting. It's a very different thing to do.

Would you ever consider marrying?

It always crosses your mind. I have probably had more than one opportunity in the past but it has never happened, at the end of the day it just hasn't been right.

How Love in the Countryside works

All eight country dwellers, or rurals, posted detailed dating profiles online in the hope of attracting letters from singles looking to quit their nine to five job in favour of a different pace of life.

After carefully considering each letter, the rurals must decide how many applicants they would like to meet for a face to face speed date. The pressure is on for the dates to make an instant impact if they are to be invited to return home with the rurals and find out what life is really like in the countryside.

And when they get there, can they keep their competition at bay and all eyes on them? The next stage sees our rurals choose who they would like to take on romantic dates and city breaks to see who has the true potential to be their love in the countryside.

But the stakes are high, our rurals cannot leave their jobs and land so if a match does happen, their dates need to be prepared to up sticks and start a new life amongst remote farms and fields. Knee deep in mud and out of their depth, how much will they be willing to sacrifice for true love?

• Love in the Countryside, BB2C Two, Wednesday, 9pm.