The Undateables is back! The unique Channel 4 dating show is returning for its 11th series as a select group of new contestants search for love. But what about the former stars of the show? While some couples went their separate ways once the cameras stopped rolling, there have been some success stories – and even marriages and babies! We take a look back at ten of the most memorable partnerships...
Undateables star Daniel gives his fiancée Lily a pantomime surprise
Daniel and Lily
Fan favourites Daniel and Lily have gone from strength-to-strength since meeting on the show. In 2018, Daniel – who has autism – popped the question after serenading his girlfriend on Brighton Bandstand with a rendition of All I Want for Christmas is You, complete with a choir. Last December, viewers caught up with the love birds, with Daniel delivering yet another festive surprise for his fiancée when he appeared in pantomime as Prince Dan Charming, searching for his true love, 'Cinderlily'. The touching gesture really struck a chord with fans, with one tweeting: "The pure love between @Daniel_Wakeford and his beautiful CinderLily is joy itself. The best couple in the universe who never fail to make me cry the happiest tears (all men could learn a thing or two from Daniel!)."
Daniel and Lily
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Challis and Brent
The first Undateables wedding took place in 2015 when Tourette's Syndrome suffer Brent Zillwood married Challos Orme in Las Vegas. Brent has taken Challis back to the scene of their very first date to pop the question, with Challis telling the Mirror: "We went back to the pub in Exeter where we first met during filming. Brent went to the toilet and a waiter gave me a scrapbook with all our memories of our relationship in it and a picture Brent had made.
Brent and Challis
"I was in tears as it was such a lovely present and when I got the final page halfway down he'd written, 'What happens next depends on how you answer my next question'. And then when he came back to the table he asked me to marry him. I said 'yes'." Nearly five years on, and the couple are happier than ever.
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Ray and Christine
Ray and Christine have proved so popular with viewers that there have been calls for their own spin-off show! Leeds United fan Ray, who has a learning disability, started dating Christine in 2017 and since then they have been introduced to each other’s families and enjoyed a romantic break in the Isle of Wight. Reflecting on her trip with Ray – who is known for his infectious laugh and enthusiasm - Christine said at the time: 'I don't mind where I go as long as I'm with Ray, it means much to me, wherever I'm with Ray I go. Cause I love him to pieces he's a special man."
Ray and Christine
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Matty and Christina
Christina's goal was to fall in love before she turned 30. At the age of 29, Christina, who has Down's Syndrome, said: "I want to find a man before my 30th birthday. I want him inside the cake and he pops out and says happy birthday, I'm your boyfriend". Enter Matty. The couple went on a date just before Christina’s birthday, and it's thought they've been together ever since.
Christina and Matty
Dean and Carolyne
Carolyne grew up dreaming of a fairytale romance – and she found her Prince Charming on the dating show! Two years after meeting Dean, the couple went on to welcome their first baby together, a little boy named Declan. New mum Carolyne, who became paralysed from the chest down after a blood vessel burst in her spinal cord, said: "When I was first paralysed, I thought that was it my life is over, I'm never going to get a boyfriend, I'm never going to get married or I will never be able to have children. All those things that I thought I was never going to be able to do, I have actually been able to do."
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Carolyne and Dean
Shaine and Gemma
Arguably one of the UK's most prolific romantic poets, Shaine has been a hit with viewers ever since his first appearance on screen in series one. He went on to find love with his old schoolfriend, Gemma, and the couple's romance continues to blossom. He has even taken her to watch him perform a poetry gig in Southampton. "I've written 12,000 poems now and she really loves my poems which is great," he told the Bournemouth Echo. "I dedicated a poem to her on stage and she went bright red, like a little raspberry. The audience melted. I think it went well. We had lots of giggles too. At Shell Bay, I accidentally sat on thistle and I fell over! Gemma was hysterical, it was very funny."
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Shaine and Gemma
Steve and Vicky
Steve, who has a rare genetic condition called Crouzon syndrome, which affects the shape of his head and face, might not have found his dream girl on the show. But his appearance on The Undateables did lead him to find love. Vicky got in touch with him after seeing him on the programme and the pair fell head over heels in love. They got married in 2015 and are still going strong today. Steve has even said that Vicky wants to have 10 children!
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Steve and Vicky
James and Caroline
After watching James struggling to find love, viewers were delighted to him go on his first date with Caroline back in 2018. Prior to his date with Caroline, James – who has Down Syndrome – had said: "I want the perfect girl to be with me for the rest of my life. To fall in love, I'd do anything. By George, I'd do anything. Love is missing in my heart, and to find this girl would be just magic." After having a romantic meal and playing boules on Bournemouth beach, he said: "It's been amazing. I'm feeling over the moon, I think this could be it. I couldn't be happier. It's a dream come true."
Caroline and James
Bethany and Tom
Bethany might not have found love on the show, but she has now found her perfect match in Tom, who spotted her on TV. Tom, who like Bethany has Down syndrome, as well as autism, fell for Bethany and when they met up, the feeling was mutual. His first words to Bethany when they met up were, "You're very beautiful." Bethany's mum Bekki has since said of the sweet pair: "I don't know who fell in love with him faster, me or Beth. It's been over a year and they've been madly in love ever since. Tom is always telling Beth she is beautiful." The couple love the theatre, going out to the cinema and going out for dinner. Bethany describes Tom as "kind, gentle and romantic" as well as "handsome" and "a great kisser!"
Tom and Bethany
Matthew and Jessica
Matthew had very specific requirements when it came to his ideal woman; a Nigella Lawson lookalike with 16-inch shoulder width. And he hit the jackpot when he met Jessica Morrod on the show in 2015. The couple later got engaged, with Matthew – who has a severe stammer – also moving into Jessica's home. But not every Undateables story has a happy ending. In 2017, Jessica confirmed on Facebook that the pair had amicably split.
Matthew and Jessica
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