Andy Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, once won a holiday with another man while they were already in a relationship. The former Greater Manchester mayor will today officially become Britain's new Prime Minister, replacing Sir Keir Starmer.
Marie-France van Heel is a Dutch-born marketing executive who met Burnham while both were studying English at Cambridge University. The couple began a relationship, but during that time, she asked him for permission to appear on the hit ITV dating show Blind Date. Burnham reluctantly agreed and later admitted to watching the show from behind the sofa, according to the Express.
Blind Date Appearance
Van Heel, commonly known as Frankie, opted for a date with 'Will from Surrey', who was dressed in a red sweatshirt and dungarees. Presenter Cilla Black told van Heel: "I used to like Andy Pandy – and you've got a real live one." Ahead of their date, van Heel asked Will what he did in the shower. "When I'm in the shower I generally make up poems and short stories," he said. "Oh Frankie, oh Frankie, your name is quite cranky, pick me for your Blind Date and there'll be no hanky-panky."
She then asked: "What would you do if you were my first taste of British men?" Will responded: "You give me half an hour and I'll give you the best time of your life." Fortunately for Burnham, her date with Will in Gibraltar was a disaster, with the cameras capturing him branding her a "cold fish", while van Heel even threw a cushion at him.
Marriage and Family
She married Burnham in 2000 and they went on to have three children together. Today, Keir Starmer gave his final speech as Prime Minister, before traveling to Buckingham Palace to officially offer his resignation to the King. "It has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as prime minister, and I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago," he said. "I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved."
Transition of Power
Mr Burnham will then meet with the King separately, before heading to Downing Street. Once there, he will promise to give people "breathing room" against the rising cost of living. He will urge the country to be honest about the challenges it faces and call for "reflection and resolution". He will also say he is "acutely conscious" the UK has had seven prime ministers in a little over 10 years, stressing the need for more stable and responsible politics and pledging to restore faith in government.
