Blind Date couple renew their wedding vows – 36 years after falling in love on hit ITV show
BLIND Date couple renew their wedding vows - 36 years after falling in love on hit ITV show.
After appearing on Cilla Black’s dating show Blind Date in 1988, Sue and Alex Tatham became the first-ever couple to tie the knot from the iconic series.
After 36 years, a long, happy marriage and two children - Emily and Charlie - Alex and Sue decided to renew their wedding vows.
On Sunday, the couple returned to Michael & All Angels Church in Pelsall, West Midlands, where they first tied the knot 33 years ago in front of millions.
Alex, 59, and Sue, also 59, were the first Blind Date match to marry in a Blind Date Special which aired in 1991.
Accompanied by matchmaker Cilla, Alex and Sue were married in a ceremony that was watched by a staggering 17 million people.
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Reminiscing about the magical day in 1991, Alex described his wife as being as beautiful as ever.
The devoted couple, who live in south London, enjoyed a medieval banquet in Ireland as their first date before marrying three years later.
Only three couples said ‘I do’ after meeting on the dating game show during its 18-year run, but Alex and Sue’s was the first and most successful marriage.
Recalling the moment they met, Sue said: ‘I remember the TV show of course and we often watch it back all these years later. I was one of the three people hoping to be chosen and my legs were shaking.
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“There was this big booming voice coming from the other side of the screen, which sounded charming and when the screen was removed my initial reaction was - box ticked.
"When Alex asked me to marry him he also asked me to move to London and I said yes to both questions.
"We have been blissfully happy and raised two wonderful children in Emily and Charlie who both got married themselves this year in beautiful ceremonies."
Alex, who runs a management consultancy firm, remembered their first wedding as a really exciting period.
He said: "We’re extremely lucky to have each other. We’re still talking about it all these years later."
Alex also said they often get recognised when they’re out together and said: "I’m surprised it still happens, 33 years later. All the time."
Best 80s sitcoms
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain's Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women - who were previously married - moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
Blind Date first aired on ITV in 1985 and was presented by Cilla Black until 2003 when she quit the job live on air.
The much loved show was rebooted by Channel 5 in 2017 and was hosted by Paul O’Grady. It ended two years later.
