What should have been a stressful experience for Peter Andre turned out to be a gift when he met the love of his life Emily MacDonagh. The couple, who tied the knot in a beautiful summer ceremony at a Georgian mansion on the East Devon coast at the weekend, were introduced after the TV personality fell seriously ill.
In November 2010, the star was rushed to hospital in excruciating pain, suffering from kidney stones and was treated by her father, a consultant urologist. "Peter became very close to him and his family and his relationship with Emily developed from there," a source told the Sun.
Peter Andre and Emily Macdonagh started dating in July 2012
Her dad Ruaraidh MacDonagh operated on Peter who had been due to appear at the Plymouth Pavilions when he got sick.
Never one to let his fans down, the entertainer went back to perform at the venue where he was introduced to Emily. Their relationship officially begun in July 2012.
A willowy brunette, with brains as well as beauty, she was keen to follow her father into medicine and was studying at Bristol University.
Best of all as the eldest of five children, who grew up in Bridgwater, Somerset, she came from the kind of warm family environment that he felt mirrored his own upbringing. Peter, now 42, was brought up as one of six siblings in a family of Greek Cypriot origins with parents who have been married for nearly 60 years.
Emily's father introduced them
From the outset they seemed perfectly matched, despite a 17-year age gap. When she appeared on her beau's ITV2 reality show, Peter Andre: My Life, Emily said: "I hope his family like me and I know he feels the same way, as what your family think is so important."
His children Junior and Princess Tiaamii, known as Bista, from his marriage to Katie Price, took to her immediately.
"What impresses me the absolute most is the way she is with the kids," said the singer.
In mid-2013 the couple announced that they were expecting their first child together
Emily was a tower of strength for Peter when he was grieving over the death of his older brother. Andrew passed away in December 2012 after battling cancer.
"Honestly I don't think I could have got through it without Emily," he admitted. "I would have gone into my own shell."
Their daughter was born in January 2014
In 2013 pregnancy rumours began to surround the couple, with a spokesperson later confirming the news, saying, "It is true that they are expecting a baby, they are over the moon."
Peter's ex-wife Katie, who was also pregnant, tweeted her best wishes to the couple, "Genuine congratulations to Pete and Emily and I hope they are very happy – kids excited xxx"
The couple's daughter Amelia was born the following year on 7 January.
Emily has combined raising a family with her medical studies
While raising a family, the young mother kept on working towards her medical career – supported every step of the way by her partner.
“She's only gone and done it - Emily passed her final exams,” he posted on Instagram when she completed her studies. “Dr Emily Macdonagh, sounds great doesn't it? So so proud:):)”
This summer the beautiful doctor starts her new job and the Andres are hoping to buy a house with land for their children and friends to enjoy. Life couldn't be sweeter as Peter embarks on a new chapter with the girl of his dreams.