Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, known as Frankie, had a blind date experience that went far beyond the ordinary. Instead of a typical setup, she appeared on the iconic TV show Blind Date, hosted by Cilla Black. Twenty-four years ago, while studying at Cambridge University with the future Mayor of Greater Manchester, Frankie was selected for the show and sought her boyfriend's permission. Andy agreed, though he later admitted he watched nervously from behind the sofa.
Frankie chose Will from Surrey, who arrived dressed in blue dungarees and a red sweatshirt, resembling the video game character Mario. The date quickly went downhill when Frankie asked what he did in the shower. Will replied, 'I generally make up poems and short stories,' and promptly rhymed, 'Oh Frankie, oh Frankie, your name is quite cranky, pick me for your Blind Date, and there'll be no hanky-panky.' His poetic skills left much to be desired.
The situation worsened when Frankie asked what he would do if he were her first taste of British men. Will responded, 'You give me half an hour and I'll give you the best time of your life.' The couple then traveled to Gibraltar for their date, where Frankie was seen telling Will to 'try and look attractive' while posing for a photo. Back in the studio, tensions flared. Will called Frankie a 'cold fish,' and she retaliated by telling him to 'f*** off' and throwing a pillow at him.
Despite the disastrous date, Frankie married Andy eight years later. In a twist, Andy revealed that Will from Surrey later became the director of communications for the Conservative Party. Andy shared this story via The Mirror, noting the irony that his wife's blind date pick ended up working for the opposing political party.
