A couple who found love on the iconic television show Blind Date have celebrated a remarkable 34 years of marriage, revealing they originally went on the programme 'for a laugh'.
A Fateful Meeting on National Television
Alex and Sue Tatham made a special appearance on BBC Breakfast with hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, reminiscing about their experience on the cherished dating show. The segment coincided with the weekend marking four decades since Blind Date first aired in 1985, originally presented by the late Cilla Black.
The show, which ran until 2003 before a revival from 2017 to 2019, was responsible for sparking numerous real-life romances. The Tathams are one of its most enduring success stories, having met on the programme in 1988.
'For a Laugh' and a Glimpse Behind the Scenes
When Charlie Stayt asked if they had approached the show with serious intentions, Sue was quick to clarify their original motivation. "Definitely for a laugh!" she exclaimed. "Also, to see how a TV programme was made, I was quite intrigued if it was as glamorous as it came across on the television."
She added, "But no, it wasn't actually. But, delighted to meet a man and delighted that he was the man I married, who knew!" The couple exchanged vows three years after their televised meeting, in 1991, with Cilla Black herself in attendance as a guest.
A Wedding Watched by Millions
Reflecting on having the legendary presenter at their wedding, Alex shared a fascinating detail. "It was amazing to have them there, and her husband Bobby," he remarked. "The whole wedding was filmed, they kept themselves very much in the background as they possibly could."
He revealed the incredible reach of their special day, noting, "Then they made the TV show and they screened it the following day it got 17 million people!"
During their BBC Breakfast interview, the couple, who have children together, were treated to footage of their first meeting on Blind Date. Alex described it as a "true sliding doors moment," and expressed how special it was to have that initial encounter preserved. "What an amazing thing to show your children that very first moment, very few people have that particular luxury," he told the hosts.
The Tathams are not alone in finding lasting love on the programme. The BBC presenters informed viewers that two other couples also married after meeting on Blind Date.
