PUBLIC FIGURE'S SPOUSE HAD TELEVISION APPEARANCE
Marie-France van Heel, wife of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, previously featured on the ITV dating show 'Blind Date' early in their relationship.
Burnham's wife, who has been married to the mayor for over 25 years, sought his permission to participate in the program. The show paired her with a contestant named Will from Surrey for a date in Gibraltar. Reports indicate the date did not proceed smoothly, with Van Heel reportedly instructing her date to "try and look attractive."
Van Heel, of Dutch origin, met Burnham while both were students at Cambridge University. She has pursued a career as a brand consultant. The couple has three children.
A GLIMPSE INTO A POLITICAL PARTNER'S PAST
The revelations about Van Heel's appearance on 'Blind Date' resurfaced recently amidst renewed public interest in the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham himself has spoken of the event, recounting his wife's request for his consent to join the show.
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The dating show, hosted by the late Cilla Black, saw Van Heel, then in her early relationship with Burnham, select Will Harris from three potential suitors. Descriptions of the participants' attire from the time, including Van Heel's "bottle green blazer and huge flared trousers" and her date's "light-wash dungarees and a baggy pink sweater," have been noted in reports.
Burnham, who is currently serving his third term as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has had a prominent political career, including a stint as a Member of Parliament and twice attempting to become the Labour Party leader. His wife has been a consistent presence throughout his public life, supporting his endeavors while raising their family.
