Paul and Maria, featured on E4's One Born Every Minute, feared they might never have children after Paul was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer shortly after they moved into their first home. The couple, now preparing to welcome their second baby, reflected on that difficult period in the show's second episode.
Cancer Diagnosis After Moving In
The pair met through a mutual acquaintance in Liverpool in 2016 and soon began a relationship. They had a modest registry ceremony with immediate family before buying their first property together during the first year of Covid.
"It was quite big and empty, we knew what it was missing was some kids," Paul recalled. "But after a couple of months of being there, I just started to feel sick, something wasn't right. I actually got diagnosed with cancer, stage 1 cancer, so I had to have some chemotherapy and some surgery."
Maria said Paul had been "worried that we were not going to be able to have kids, I think that was the main concern".
Welcoming Two Daughters
Fortunately, Maria became pregnant with their first daughter, Mia. "I remember when I told him, I saw the relief in his face," Maria shared. Paul added: "I think as parents for our second child, we feel far more prepared this time."
Maria was thrilled to discover that Mia would have a younger sister, saying: "I know they will be best friends when they grow up." Once her contractions intensified, Maria's baby, Eloise, arrived extremely quickly with no complications.
Before the birth, Maria told viewers: "I hope they will be like, 'We had the best childhood'. I would do anything to give them the best I could."
How the Couple Connected
Paul revealed how the pair initially connected, confessing: "I did that typical guy thing where I was like there's no way she's interested in me." Maria quipped: "He shut me down, he was like 'I'm busy'. He cancelled the plans." Paul maintained: "I just thought she was too good for me, so I thought it wasn't very realistic."
In a touching moment, Maria said affectionately: "He's not just my husband, he's literally my best friend. I grew up in the Middle East, I lived in the West Bank and of course, the war situation. I was so determined to get out of there."
Paul praised his wife's courage, saying: "She's the one who has moved over to a foreign country, got her citizenship, did her Master's degree, speaks three languages. Really, really impressive, because it shows someone who is smart, someone who is independent, someone who is willing to take a chance."
Elsewhere in the episode, single mum Billie confronted birth anxieties after an 11-year gap since her last child was born, and after an extensive IVF journey, Kate and Matt anticipated their much-wanted daughter. One Born Every Minute airs on E4 on Sundays at 9pm.
