From Blind Date to 34 Years of Marriage: The Enduring Legacy of TV’s First Reality Romance
A couple who met on the iconic dating show Blind Date in 1985 are still happily married today, offering a heartwarming counterpoint to the often-fleeting connections forged on modern reality television.
Four decades after its debut, Blind Date – the show that captivated a nation with its simple premise of hidden suitors – is set for a revival on Disney+. But before Love Island adn Love is Blind, there was Sue and Alex Tatham, the first couple to find lasting love on the program, and whose story continues to resonate. Their journey began not with a desire for televised romance, but with a curiosity about the burgeoning world of reality TV.
The Birth of Reality TV and an Unexpected Request
In 1985, hosted by the beloved Cilla Black, Blind Date was a groundbreaking concept, inspired by the American show The dating Game. The show quickly became a Saturday-night staple, drawing millions of viewers eager to watch the selection process unfold.Sue, however, wasn’t initially seeking a partner. “It was as it was all so new – the birth of reality TV,” she explained. “It was exciting and that’s why I really wanted to go, to see how it all was. Was it as glamorous as it looked? No!”
Alex, on the other hand, was encouraged by friends to apply. When the time came,Alex confessed to choosing Sue almost at random. “When I picked Sue, number two from the West Midlands, I had absolutely no idea why I’d done that,” he admitted. “It was just eenie meenie miny moe.” The newly matched couple then randomly selected their first date: a medieval banquet in Ireland. However, the romantic evening was cut short. Despite wanting to continue the date at a nightclub, the production team insisted they return to separate hotels, a stark contrast to the continuous filming common in today’s reality shows. “I think these days, they basically film you getting in the same room!” Alex observed.
A Wedding Broadcast to Millions
Their connection proved undeniable. When Sue told Cilla Black on Blind Date that she wouldn’t mind marrying Alex in ten years, it wasn’t just a throwaway line. The couple did, in fact, get married, and their wedding was broadcast in a special episode, “Blind Date Wedding of the Year,” to around 17 million viewers on London Weekend Television.
Alex described the experience as surreal. “Imagine if you’re nervous about making a best man or a groom speech in front of 300 of your best friends,” he said. “Then imagine making it in front of millions.” The event drew massive crowds, with TV crews, police, and thousands of onlookers gathering outside the church. Guests wore their brightest clothes,hoping to catch a glimpse on camera,creating a scene Alex likened to “a really good edition of Songs of Praise.”
A Lasting Love Story
sue and Alex have since celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary and welcomed children into their family. They attribute their enduring relationship to shared values, open honesty, and kindness.”once you have someone with a similar set of values, boyfriend or girlfriend, no matter how you meet, that’s a really good basis for any relationship,” Alex stated.
Sue added, “Open honesty is the best thing. And be kind.” Alex, reflecting on his wife, described her as “sensitive and kind, a wonderful mother and still extremely beautiful,” adding, “I am just lucky to have picked her.” Even after all these years, they continue to express their love for one another. “To this day,we say we love each other a lot to each other – and still do.” Their story serves as a testament to the fact that, sometimes, a blind date can lead to a lifetime of happiness.
