Blind Date Couple Who Married on TV Reflects 40 Years On

When Blind Date began in the 1980s, it reshaped British TV and dating culture. Sue and Alex Tatham became its most enduring couple after meeting on the show, and their televised wedding drew millions. Now, with Disney+ reviving Blind Date, their story offers a lens on how reality dating has evolved.

The unexpected path to the show

Sue's friends submitted a letter suggesting she try the biggest dating show on TV, without her knowledge. A colleague at Alex's workplace helped them complete the application, turning casual curiosity into a real audition path. After months of waiting, they were invited to try out, each in a different city.

A glimpse behind the scenes

Applicants faced questions and personality checks; once cast, the final match would be chosen on air. Sue recalls spending the day with the other potential partners while Alex was kept in a separate room. The team even limited pre-filming meetings to preserve the surprise for viewers.

Love, luck, and a televised wedding

On the show, Sue and Alex met when the curtain slid apart, and they chose a medieval banquet as their first date—held in Ireland, with the couple staying in hotels a short distance apart. Their chemistry was clear, and production allowed a real-life romance to unfold. The wedding was staged in a special episode, titled Blind Date Wedding of the Year, watched by millions.

The ceremony drew extensive media coverage and a crowd outside the church, as the couple invited many friends and family to share the moment on screen.

What they learned about relationships

Looking back, Alex says shared values and open honesty are crucial. Sue adds that kindness and strong family support helped them grow together, emphasizing that timeless relationship principles apply regardless of how a couple meets.

Expert view

Expert comment: Media analyst Dr. Lisa Carter notes that Blind Date helped define early reality dating on TV and influenced many later shows. She adds that lasting partnerships typically form when couples share core values and communicate honestly.

Summary

Sue and Alex’s journey shows how a spontaneous TV moment can spark a lasting romance. Their story mirrors shifts in dating culture and the enduring appeal of reality television. As Blind Date returns on Disney+, fans can revisit how a simple connection on screen became a decades-long partnership.

Key takeaway: Early reality dating programs changed how audiences viewed romance on screen, but true compatibility comes from shared values and honest communication. BBC News