They celebrated their one-year anniversary together in April, but for actors Alan Halsall and Tisha Merry, their relationship was a long time coming as the pair enjoyed a lengthy friendship before striking up a romance.
The couple first met on the set of Coronation Street, where Alan has played Tyrone Dobbs since 1998 and Tisha played Steph Britton until late last year.
“We were good friends for about nine months before anything happened between us,” Tisha, 27, says as the pair open up for their first ever joint interview.
“Everyone assumed something was going on,” Alan, 37, adds. “I’d go to my mum’s house and she’d say, ‘Anything happening yet?’”
Nine months later, Alan and Tisha decided to give things a go over a bottle of wine and a game of Scrabble, and they’ve gone from strength to strength since – with Tisha moving into Alan’s six-bedroom Manchester home late last year.
Focusing on what makes their relationship work, Alan – who shares six-year-old daughter Sienna with ex-wife Lucy-Jo Hudson – says, “When we’re together, it’s always fun. The fun in our relationship is great.”
“I’ve said this to you, and you’ve also said you couldn’t have spent lockdown with anyone but me,” Tisha adds.
Looking ahead to the future, the happy couple admit they’ve discussed the possibility of starting a family. “He’s such a good dad,” Tisha gushes. “He’s so caring and loving. I would love that for our child if we have one.”
Here, Alan and Tisha tell us about falling in love, looking ahead and Alan’s recent return to the cobbles...
Denne historien er fra July 14, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 14, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event