More than three decades after a fateful encounter on national television, Sue and Alex Tatham stand as living proof that reality TV romance can truly last. The couple, who became the first-ever pair to marry after meeting on Cilla Black's iconic dating show Blind Date, are still happily together after 35 years.
The Moment The Screen Drew Back
Their extraordinary journey began in 1988, when Alex selected lucky number two, choosing Sue over contestants from Middlesex and Essex. "There was lovely Sue, looking absolutely gorgeous," Alex enthused, recalling the magical moment when the screen separating them finally withdrew.
Sue remembered the nervous anticipation vividly. "My legs were shaking," she admitted. "We had to sit on these big stools, and there was this big booming voice coming from the other side of the screen, which sounded charming, and all I could think was, 'I hope he's taller than me.'"
Her worries were quickly alleviated when the screen revealed 6'2" Alex, who comfortably towered over 5'6" Sue. The immediate connection was undeniable, with Sue recalling thinking, "Box ticked! He was quite fun, and he enjoyed my answers, so I knew we'd have a good time."
From Studio Date to Lifetime Commitment
Following their televised meeting, the couple were whisked away to Shannon, Ireland for their prize - a medieval banquet and sightseeing at the Cliffs of Moher. Interestingly, producers maintained strict boundaries, keeping them in hotels five miles apart. "They were very keen to make sure we weren't close to each other, but we clearly liked each other," Alex noted.
Upon returning to London for the final decision segment, both enthusiastically agreed to a second date. "I asked Sue what she was doing for the rest of the day," said Alex. With no prior plans, they headed to London Zoo, where "we were more than holding hands by the end of the day..."
The relationship blossomed despite geographical challenges, with Sue living in Walsall and Alex in London. They devoted weekends to each other during a two-year long-distance courtship before Alex proposed in 1991, asking both for her hand in marriage and whether she'd relocate to London. Sue's response was an immediate "yes and yes."
A Marriage That Defied the Odds
Their 1991 wedding became a television event in its own right, with matchmaker Cilla Black in attendance and 17 million viewers tuning in to watch the ceremony. Among the show's 18-year run, only three couples eventually married, but Sue and Alex's union remains the most successful marriage to emerge from the programme.
Thirty-five years later, the couple have built a beautiful life together, raising two children - Emily, 29, and Charlie, 27 - both of whom have now married themselves. "Very few people can say to their children, 'This is the moment mummy laid eyes on daddy,'" Sue reflected proudly.
In October 2024, the couple returned to Michael & All Angels Church in Pelsall, West Midlands, where they first married 33 years earlier, to renew their vows in a more intimate ceremony than their original televised wedding. Alex thought his bride looked "as beautiful as ever."
For their 30th anniversary, they celebrated with a sophisticated dinner in London followed by a ballet performance of Romeo and Juliet at the London Opera House. "Thankfully, our love story ends better than Romeo and Juliet's! We are still star-crossed lovers, though!" Alex teased.
As Blind Date celebrates its 40th anniversary since first airing on ITV on November 30, 1985, Sue and Alex continue to cherish their life together. With their children having flown the nest, they're excited to plan their future adventures.
"The most important thing is we look after each other and enjoy whatever life throws at us after 32 years of happy marriage," said Alex. "We're fantastic at laughing at life itself. Our philosophy is to hold hands and laugh at life, and it will all be alright."
With Sue already excited for whatever comes next, this Blind Date success story continues to inspire, proving that sometimes, the perfect match really is just a screen away.
