Perfect match! 'WE FOUND LOVE ON A TV SHOW'

Leisel and Brayden took a leap of faith when they signed up for romance

- Rebekah Hebenton

After clicking on their first date, the pair have been inseparable.

Between the drama-filled antics of Married at First Sight and The Bachelor franchise, dating shows have developed a bit of a bad reputation. But TVNZ's new series Down for Love is here to show that sometimes the quest to find love on TV can work.

The charming new show follows six people living with Down syndrome on their journey to find love. One of them is 23-year-old Leisel Shepherd, who this week celebrates not only her television debut but also her one-year anniversary with her boyfriend Brayden Pettigrew, whom she met on the series.

"He is my true love and my handsome Prince Charming," enthuses Leisel.

When the Weekly arrives at Leisel's family home on Auckland's North Shore to talk to the happy couple, their special connection is apparent. Brayden, 21, constantly showers his “Queen” with compliments and sweet kisses. As he jokes with Leisel's mum Brenda and dad Paul, both 56, it is clear Brayden is one of the family.

This is both Leisel and Brayden's first relationship, and they admit they were nervous before their first date, not knowing what to expect or who would be waiting for them on the day. But their worries soon disappeared as they played a highly competitive game of mini golf.