Lonely? Alone? Destined to spend your remaining years as a singleton, eating ready meals for one in front of re-runs of Jeremy Kyle?

Unfortunately, there might be nothing you can do about it. It' could just be down to your DNA.

If it seems all of your friends are shacking up with lovers, while you remain permanently single, scientists have identified a 'singleton gene' that could be to blame.

The G version of 5-HTA1 is thought to lower serotonin levels - a feel-good chemical - which causes people to feel uncomfortable in close relationships.

Angry woman breaking-up from her partner
Close enough: The G version of 5-HTA1 is thought to lower serotonin levels

Those who have it are 20% more likely to be single than others, either because of not being able to form close bonds or suffering a long string of break-ups.

Scientists at Peking University in Beijing studied 5-HTA1 in hair samples from almost 600 students.

It comes in two different versions, G or C - those with the former are the most likely to be single.

According to the researchers, the link could not be explained by other factors such as attractiveness and wealth.

Couple fighting
Fighting: 5-HTA1 comes in two different versions, G or C

It was already known people with the ‘G’ version of the gene find it more difficult to get close to others, and are more likely to suffer from depression.

Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the researchers said: "As pessimism and neuroticism are detrimental to the formation, quality and stability of relationships, this connection between the G [version] and psychological disorders might decrease carriers’ dating opportunities or lead to romantic relationship failure.’

But the strand of DNA should not be called a love gene.

Scientists found it only explained 1.4% of the difference in likelihood of being single or in a relationship.

Young woman preparing to leave her partner
Shipping out: People with the ‘G’ version of the gene find it more difficult to get close to others

Dr Pam Spurr, a relationship expert, told Mail Online: "I know that our genetic heritage determines some of our behaviour but we always have choice.

"If someone’s difficulties with dating are flagged up to them, I believe they can learn to interact in a way that will make them more successful in meeting somebody."

Other scientists and experts questioned how strong the research was.