'I'm so glad I took that leap of faith'

Roger and Janey from My Mum, Your Dad on life a year later, their children's take on their romance, and dealing with trolls

- EVE MACDONALD

Roger Hawes and Janey Smith appeared on My Mum, Your Dad and won the hearts of the nation, but it gave them something utterly life-changing: true love.

Now, as they celebrate one year together, the singer and former postman plan to mark the occasion by going back to where it all began.

“Our anniversary is 15 May – that’s when we really started dating,” Roger, 59, tells new. “We’d love to go back to where the show was filmed, as so much has changed since then.”

“We’re a team now,” agrees 48-year-old Janey. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

The pair were signed up for the ITV dating show, dubbed the “middle-aged Love Island”, by Roger’s daughter Jess, 29, and Janey’s son William, 20 – and the couple instantly felt a spark.

Solidifying their perfect match, they embarked on a helicopter ride for a romantic date, which ended with them clinking their glasses. Janey said, “What are we cheersing to?” and Roger replied, “Our first kiss.” Aww!

Before the show, there were trials and tribulations along the way, particularly for Roger, who had faced a recent heartbreak. His wife, Joanne – Jess’s mum – had very sadly passed away 18 months earlier from cancer.

As for Janey – who described herself as “unlucky in love”– she didn’t have high hopes of meeting her dream man on a TV dating show after decades as a singleton.

Now, as they look towards the future together, the couple open up about falling in love, the highs and lows of their first year, and moving in together one day…

Hi, Roger and Janey! Can you believe it’s a year since you first met?