“SHE PICKED ANOTHER MAN ON NATIONAL TV…” Before Andy Burnham became one of Britain’s best-known politicians, his future wife stunned viewers by appearing on ITV’s Blind Date — and choosing someone else right in front of the nation. The bizarre twist that followed helped turn an awkward TV moment into a love story few people saw coming.
Marie-France van Heel, the Dutch-born wife of Andy Burnham, is a high-flying marketing executive who has largely stayed in the background during his political career. Indeed, her response when he told her his plans to seek a return to Westminster after nine largely successful years as Mayor of Greater Manchester was not entirely supportive. Her initial … Read more