A couple who found love on the original Blind Date have shared their remarkable story, proving that reality TV romance can stand the test of time. Sue and Alex Tatham appeared on the iconic dating show in 1988, when the concept of reality television was still in its infancy, and have now been happily married for 34 years.
The Dawn of Reality Romance
Appearing on the popular Cilla Black-hosted programme was, as Alex Tatham described it, the equivalent of being on Love Island today. "It was a very hot TV show at the time," he explained. "So it'd be a bit like now, if someone's saying, who wants to be on Love Island?" Sue added that while the experience was exciting, the reality behind the scenes wasn't quite as glamorous as it appeared to viewers at home.
The show's premise saw singles choosing potential dates based solely on their answers from behind a screen. Alex admitted his selection process was far from scientific when he picked Sue, number two from the West Midlands. "I had absolutely no idea why I'd done that," he confessed. "It was just eenie meeny miny moe."
Behind the Scenes Secrets
The production team took extreme measures to ensure contestants couldn't see each other before the big reveal. Sue recalled having to dive into a cupboard backstage to avoid accidentally encountering Alex before their on-screen meeting. The couple also revealed the less-than-glamorous reality behind the show's famous sliding door. "The sliding door, which looks very chic - it's basically a bloke at the back pulling a bit of cardboard," Alex joked.
Their first date took them to a medieval banquet in Ireland, where they immediately connected. However, the strict filming regulations of the era meant their romance had to develop under watchful eyes. When they suggested continuing their evening at a club, producers refused, and they were kept five miles apart in separate hotels. "I think these days, they basically film you getting in the same room!" Alex observed. "That just shows the big change in reality TV."
From Screen to Real-Life Vows
The couple's connection was strong enough that host Cilla Black found herself needing to buy that famous new hat. So successful was their match that Blind Date offered to host their 1991 wedding. Alex described the unique pressures of their television nuptials: "Imagine if you're nervous about making a best man or a groom speech in front of 300 of your best friends. Then imagine making it in front of millions."
The wedding became a colourful spectacle, with guests wearing their brightest clothes to increase their chances of appearing on camera. "It looked like a really good edition of Songs of Praise," Alex remembered. The couple recently renewed their vows in 2024, celebrating their enduring relationship.
Thirty-four years after that fateful blind choice, Alex still considers himself lucky. Despite selecting his wife unseen, he describes Sue as "still extremely beautiful" and praises her as "sensitive and kind, a wonderful mother" to their children Emily and Charlie. The couple credit their shared values and open honesty for their lasting partnership. "To this day, we say we love each other a lot to each other - and still do," Alex revealed.
Their story emerges as Blind Date prepares for its comeback, having been "reimagined for a contemporary audience" for its new home on Disney+. Production on the reboot began this year, though a specific release date remains unannounced.
