Maurice Stals, a 47-year-old garden plant grower from Ell in Limburg, reportedly chose Sylvie, described as a “Limburg girl,” after the speed dates in Boer zoekt vrouw. The choice followed an uncomfortable hug and a nervous date during which a glass was bitten, according to the account. Stals said he had noticed her look on the boat.

Earlier in the series, Stals became emotional while reading the romantic letters he had received. He said he was vulnerable and that every letter touched him. The new format presents episodes on each working day for three weeks instead of a weekly broadcast.