Love is on the air

BBC Food (Channel 70 on DStv) has a romantic smorgasbord to celebrate the most romantic day in a special series of steamy cuisine entitled 'Love Bites'. From February 13 to 17 at 5.30pm the channel will be showcasing everything from aphrodisiac cooking to a very special single's dinner.

This sensual feast of love starts on Monday 13 February with a special 'Aphrodisiacs' episode in the 'Cookworks Series'. Chef and restaurateur Donna Dooher prepares delicacies such as oysters with truffled foam, and what is the perfect liquid accompaniment? The cocktail 'Between the Sheets'.

On Valentine's Day (February 14) six strangers get together to cook up both a storm and a potential relationship in 'Cupid's Dinner'.

In 'Dinner Party Inspectors' on Wednesday 15 February, writers Victoria Mather and Meredith Etherington Smith visit a singles only dinner party in Essex. The inevitable flirting and sexual tensions, gibes and insults fly around the table and one poor guest ends up red faced on the floor.

Meanwhile in 'Rocco's Dolce Vita' on Thursday 16 February, chef David Rocco has invited his friend Sandra to Florence, Italy to check out the local art scene. What she doesn't know is that Rocco has set her up on a blind date. To ease her nerves, he promises to cook for the night, using ingredients that are sure to seduce and tingle the senses.

The final programme in 'Love Bites' on Friday 17 February, is Deck Dates in which presenter Katy Hill and chef James Martin play cupid, pairing singles on a romantic blind date on a luxury boat.

BBC Prime (Channel 40 on DStv) presents the acclaimed drama series 'A Thing Called Love', which starts on Saturday 18 February at 9pm. Paul Nicholls takes on his debut leading role in William Ivory's bold, modern-day tale of one man's search to find true love, set in the vibrant city of Nottingham.