In 1988, amidst the vibrant energy of a television studio, a connection sparked that would defy expectations. Sue and Alex Tatham stepped onto the set ofBlind Date, unaware they were about to begin a love story for the ages.
The iconic screen rose, revealing Alex to Sue, and a moment of breathless anticipation hung in the air. Sue, admittedly concerned about height, found herself looking up at the towering figure of a man who would soon become her husband. Her legs, she confessed, were shaking.
Alex, equally captivated, remembered thinking Sue looked “absolutely gorgeous.” He’d chosen lucky number two, bypassing other hopefuls, and in that instant, a shared spark ignited. It was a feeling both knew was special.
Their first date, orchestrated by the show, whisked them away to Shannon, Ireland – a medieval banquet and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Despite the producers’ attempts to keep them at a distance, staying in hotels miles apart, their connection was undeniable.
Back in London, a second date was immediately confirmed, leading to a day at the London Zoo where hand-holding quickly blossomed. The initial attraction deepened into something profound, fueled by laughter and genuine enjoyment of each other’s company.
A long-distance romance followed, stretching between Walsall and London, navigated through dedicated weekends spent together. Eventually, with a gentle nudge from Sue’s cousin, Alex took the leap and proposed, asking Sue to both marry him and move to London.
Her answer was a resounding “yes and yes,” sealing their fate. In 1991, their wedding was a national event, broadcast as aBlind Datespecial watched by a staggering 17 million people, with Cilla Black herself in attendance.
Over the next three decades, their love flourished, weathering life’s challenges with a shared philosophy: hold hands and laugh. They celebrated milestones, including a vow renewal in the church where it all began, surrounded by loved ones.
Their family grew with the arrival of Emily and Charlie, who have since found their own happiness. Now, with their children grown, Sue and Alex look forward to a future filled with continued companionship and shared adventures.
“We’re fantastic at laughing at life itself,” Alex shared, a sentiment echoed by Sue’s excited smile. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of connection, a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest love.
They are, remarkably, still star-crossed lovers, proving that a televised first encounter can indeed blossom into a lifetime of happiness. Theirs is a love story that continues to inspire, a beacon of hope and joy after over 30 years together.
