Their relationship has gone from strength to strength since they found love on last summer’s smash hit dating show My Mum, Your Dad, which saw mid-life singletons come together to find a romantic connection. And as Roger Hawes and Janey Smith, the only surviving couple from the series, celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together, they admit they’re as smitten as when they first met.
In fact, Janey, 48, admits the sparks are still flying. She says, “I do catch myself looking at Roger sometimes, and even though it embarrasses him when I say it because I’ve said it a lot, I can’t deny he is a very handsome man! When he goes out, he always looks good, takes care of his appearance and dresses well. He stands out – I’m not the only one who thinks it!”
SHOP: Janey's Pink Nobody's Child Melita Jumpsuit, £110 and Roger's Jacamo Lyle & Scott Check Flannel Shirt, £70
She adds, “It does feel very natural. I’ve never been with someone as much as I have with Roger, we’re together all the time. We had some time apart before Christmas while we were with our families, and I didn’t like it at all. It actually scared me a little, I texted Roger and said, ‘We’re not doing this again!’” Roger, 58, laughs and says, “It was only five days! We’ve talked about living together, but with my family in Derby and Janey’s in Sussex, it’s hard at the moment, but we know it will just be a natural progression when we say, ‘Right – let’s finally do it’.”
While they’re on the same page, the pair, who have just launched their own Valentine’s Collection with retailer JD Williams, admit they have different versions of romance. “We do like to have a bath together,” declares Roger, before receiving a jab in the arm from a blushing Janey. “I’ve got a really big bath at home and it’s nice for us to sit there, listen to music and chat away.” Janey retorts, “It’s far from romantic, I stood up after getting in because it was too hot, and ended up sitting on the loo seat with my head between my legs because I thought I would pass out. I almost had a funny turn!”
SHOP: Janey's Ro&Zo Mix Animal Print Wrap Dress, £95.36
She adds, “Roger loves PDAs and always forgets where he is! Just downstairs we were sitting with his And the pair admit they’re not ruling out tying the knot. “We might well do,” teases Roger. “In the future, anything could happen, but I do think it would be the icing cake for the pair of us.” Janey adds, “When I was a lot younger, I saw people get married and always thought I would one day too. I just happen to be 48 and it’s never happened. My parents have been married for 50 years, so I’d love to walk down the aisle and experience it for myself.”
Viewers will be aware that Roger sadly lost his beloved wife Joanne to cancer 18 months before filming, and he admits he’s surprised his life has taken such a positive turn. He says, “I look at Janey and smile. There are still times I pinch myself and wonder if this is really happening to me. I’m just happy to have a reason to live again, which is obviously nice. It’s hard to give anyone else advice, but you’ve got to be brave with finding love again. I fancied Janey, we’re on the same wavelength and we’re often saying or laughing at the same thing – it’s just fallen into place.”
SHOP: Janey's Abstract Top, £20.80, Indigo Pocket Front Slim Flare Jeans, £32 and Roger's Long Sleeve Tipped Pique Polo, £22 and Wrangler Be Cool Texas Straight Fit Jean, £59.50.
Not only has their romance flourished, their careers have too. The pair, who recently joined the This Morning team to present travel segments, are also the stars of JD Williams’ new Valentine’s campaign, which saw them get dressed up in date night outfits. And the pair admit they’re enjoying the limelight. “I like telling people I’m a model,” laughs Roger. “It felt really natural doing the photo shoot, at one point I thought, ‘Actually I’m quite good at this!’”
Janey admits she’s growing in confidence too, saying, “I’m 5ft 10 and a size 12-14. I’m under no illusion – I’m not a size 6, but I make the best of what I have.” Roger interjects, “She’s got really good legs and a nice bum,” while Janey laughs and says, “It’s not a nice bum, trust me! I like my shoulders and I like how jackets and power suits look on me. I do favour boho maxi dresses too, and there’s a green snakeskin-style one from the collection I’ve been wearing, and a flattering pink jumpsuit. Roger’s keeping plans for Valentine’s Day a surprise, but I’ll be picking something nice to wear for our date night.”
She adds, “Roger massively boosts my confidence, I feel very comfortable in front of him. There’s none of this, ‘Oh, I’d better make myself up for him’, or, ‘Oh, I can’t go to bed without make-up on’. Sometimes I look beyond recognition, but I know he still likes me! He’s very complimentary, and everyone deserves to have someone like that in their life.”
Janey and Roger have partnered with JD Williams to select their favourite outfits for date nights, romantic dinners and cosy evenings at home. This collaboration is part of the brand's "Passion Has No Age Limit" Valentine’s campaign, designed to help women become the most confident version of themselves. Shop the Valentine’s collection online now at www.jdwilliams.co.uk.