Incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, known as Frankie, once appeared on the classic TV show Blind Date, hosted by Cilla Black, 24 years ago. The experience was disastrous, culminating in her picking a man who later became a director of communications for the Conservative Party.
The Blind Date Appearance
Frankie and Burnham, then students at Cambridge University, had just started dating when she was selected to be a contestant on the show. She sought Burnham's permission, which he granted, though he later admitted to watching from behind the sofa. On the show, Frankie chose 'Will from Surrey,' who arrived dressed in blue dungarees and a red sweatshirt, resembling Mario.
Awkward Questions and Responses
During the Q&A segment, Frankie asked Will what he did in the shower. He replied, 'I generally make up poems and short stories,' and promptly recited: 'Oh Frankie, oh Frankie, your name is quite cranky, pick me for your Blind Date, and there'll be no hanky-panky.' When asked what he would do if he were her first taste of British men, Will said, 'You give me half an hour and I'll give you the best time of your life.'
The Date and Aftermath
The pair traveled to Gibraltar for their date, where Frankie was seen telling Will to 'try and look attractive' while posing for a photo. Upon returning to the studio, neither seemed pleased. Will called Frankie a 'cold fish,' prompting her to tell him to 'f*** off' and throw a pillow at him. Despite the disastrous date, Frankie married Burnham eight years later.
The Twist: Will's Political Career
Burnham later revealed that Will from Surrey became the director of communications for the Conservative Party. 'My wife and I have been together for 25 years, but in the early days she was on Blind Date,' Burnham told The Mirror. 'She was the picker, and to add insult to injury, she picked Will from Surrey, who ended up being the director of communications for the Conservative Party.' Burnham is set to officially become Prime Minister later today after meeting King Charles III.
