'They're just the same person, split in two'

Roger Hawes and Janey Smith look forward to their first Christmas together and reflect on what has been TV's love story of the year

- GEMMA MCCARTNEY

Filming My Mum, Your Dad may feel like a “lifetime ago” for Roger Hawes and Janey Smith, but as they prepare to spend their first Christmas together, they’re in no doubt that taking part in the hit series provided  them with the best gift ever – true love. The former postman and singer met on the first season of the ITV dating show – dubbed “middle-aged Love Island” – back in May. Seven months on, they couldn’t be more smitten, telling us they have barely spent a day apart since filming ended.

“I’d say it’s going very well,” says Roger, 59, during our exclusive festive OK! shoot. “It moved on quickly from when, at first, you don’t trump in front of each other! It’s very easy in each other’s company.”

“Life has changed – but in a good way,” adds Janey, 48. Signed up for the show by their children – Roger’s daughter Jess, 29, and Janey’s 20-year-old son William – the couple quickly felt a spark and realised they were a perfect match. But there were trials and tribulations along the way, particularly for unlucky-in-love Janey.

“It was the most bizarre experience – you’re never prepared for anything like that,” she says as she reflects on her time on the show. “I was a rabbit in the headlights at first. It might not have come across, but I was anxious for the first few days. And then I met Roger and it was all fine.”

After decades of failed relationships and heartbreak, Janey didn’t have high hopes of meeting her dream man on a TV dating show.

‘DAD’S CONFIDENCE WAS GONE. WE’VE GOT THAT BACK – HIS SPARKLE’