Good Morning Britain: Southend couple, 85 and 89, on ITV

Since speaking to the Echo earlier this week, Joyce, 89, and Norman, 85, have featured in national newspapers such as the Daily Mail and even appeared on the popular ITV morning chat show.

The widowers, from Southend, tied the knot at the famous Roslin Beach Hotel after enjoying a five-year whirlwind romance. They got engaged just six weeks earlier when Norman popped the question in front of the Sir David Amess statue on Westcliff Beach.

The couple tied the knot at Southend's Roslin Beach Hotel (Image: Norman Giller)“We’re not being left alone; we’ve got Channel 5 here at the moment and we’ve just done Good Morning Britain,” said Norman.

The couple brought joy to viewers of the show this morning when Joyce joked that she initially mistook Norman’s proposal for an accidental fall.

The experience of being on Good Morning Britain was especially exciting for Norman, who got to see acquaintance of 60-years, Geoff Hurst – the last surviving member of the 1966 world cup team, who was also appearing on the show.

Norman first met the striker when he was an apprentice football reporter covering the early years of Hurst’s career.

He added: “It was fabulous because Geoff Hurst was there and we go back years, it made the whole day extra special.”

The couple have been amazed by the reaction to their story (Image: Norman Giller) The couple, who are both widowers, were introduced by their children five years ago and have been stunned by the public’s reaction to their relationship.

Norman said: “We’re amazed at the interest; I think everyone’s desperate for good news and were proving that positive stories are out there.

“We’re trying to spread the pollen of our love, and it is clearly appealing to people”.

The 85-year-old also spoke of how he and Joyce negotiate their political differences.

“I’m on the left and she’s on the right, but we just don’t talk about politics.

“I’ve told her that while I’m her toy boy, I’m certainly not her Tory boy” he said.