
We married ‘down' – it's the secret to a sizzling sex life
But while 20-year-old Jess was quickly smitten with her handsome boyfriend, not everyone was quite so pleased.
Advertisement
4
Pharmacist Jess Simpson married a tradesman and says her husband Paul beats any posh boy she's dated, especially in the bedroom
Credit: Lorna Roach
4
Laura Dolphin, a CEO for a global company, married mechanic Rob
Credit: Aaron Collett Photography
'Bradley bought me a drink, chatted me up and made me laugh,' recalls Jess, then a chemistry undergraduate at the University of Manchester.
'When he asked for my number my university mates were horrified.'
It was a similar story with her upper middle class parents.
Did poor Brad have bad breath or a drug habit which put off her friends?
Advertisement
Read More on Fabulous
No. His crime was not having a degree — with Jess's friends and family claiming she was 'dating down'.
And she's not the only one.
With far more girls now going to university than boys in Britain, increasing number of couples are made up of a white collar wife and blue collar bloke — with some claiming this pairing is the secret to both a healthy bank balance and a sizzling sex life.
'Breath of fresh air'
Jess, 30, says: 'Mum and dad made it clear even socialising with a tradie was out of the question — a girl like me was better and smarter than that.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
Exclusive
'They wanted the best for me, but I found it boring.
'They wanted me to marry up.
Behind the Scenes with Celebs: The Rise of Couples Counselling
'Their friends were constantly bragging about the wealthy or well-to-do husbands their daughters were marrying.'
But when Bradley asked Jess out, she instinctively wanted to say yes.
Advertisement
She said: 'My inner rebel geek took hold.
'Brad was honest from the start, admitting he'd grown up on a local estate, had been a bit of a ladies' man and wasn't parent-pleasing material.
'He made me laugh, he had great banter and he could fix things.'
And Bradley, 41, excelled in another area.
Advertisement
Jess says: 'He's also an amazing kisser, great in bed and a lover who was definitely good with his hands.'
While once it was the done thing for women to 'marry up' for financial reasons, the tables have turned.
Last year, over half of British women reported feeling financially independent.
Now females have more freedom when choosing their spouse — and are plumping for
Advertisement
Women are more likely to go to university than men.
In 2018, 53.6 per cent of girls went on to higher education, compared to 40.2 per cent of boys.
Like most women I've always had a 'perfect-man checklist. When I met Rob he didn't tick any of those boxes but I soon discovered that my list was snobby and shallow
Laura
It seems to be a global trend, with stats showing females being more educated than males in the US, France and Belgium too.
This means the dating pool of men at university has dwindled while women can rely on themselves financially.
Advertisement
Plus a survey by Materials Market found 74 per cent of women partnered with a
After seven years together, Jess and Bradley, who live in Chichester, West Sussex, married in 2022 and welcomed their son a year later.
Jess says: 'People who think marrying down is wrong are just snobs.
'Brad's amazing in bed, better than university lads.
Advertisement
'Our marriage will last, while girls I know who married up are already divorced.'
4
HR boss Paige Bournett clicked with forkift driver Adam Taylor
Credit: Supplied
4
Jess and Paul on their wedding day
Credit: R Diaz photography
Bradley thinks the marriage works because the couple bring their 'brains and brawn together'.
Advertisement
Jess agrees.
She adds: 'I may be the brains but he works hard for his money.
'He's not obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses and I find that to be a breath of fresh air.
'When we met, he was living paycheck to paycheck but he still continued to treat me like a princess.
Advertisement
'He wasn't bothered that I was smarter than him.
'When I started work as a specialist pharmacist he was thrilled and didn't care that I earned double his wage.
'I fell out with some of my posh pals who accused me of dating down and slumming it.
Brad's building a business. He admits he doesn't understand chemistry, I don't understand the difference between a spanner and a screwdriver
Jess
'Brad's building a business.
Advertisement
'He admits he doesn't understand chemistry, I don't understand the difference between a spanner and a screwdriver.
'Tradies are never out of work, they are in demand, and they have great chat.
'I'd rather be with a tradie than a doctor or surgeon.'
As for her parents, Jess says: 'When they met Bradley they didn't like him.
Advertisement
'But after a year he'd won them over with his charm, kindness and commitment to our family.'
Privately educated Laura Dolphin, 38, had a similar experience when she found love with husband Rob, 40, who left school at the age of 16 to become a mechanic.
'I went to a posh private school and some of my friends were determined to marry up and nab the richest and poshest husbands,' says Laura, who lives in Northampton with Rob and their seven-year-old daughter.
'I have dated lawyers and uber-wealthy businessmen with expensive motors and pedigree backgrounds.'
Advertisement
Before meeting Rob in 2013, Laura, who is a CEO for a global company, was in a relationship with someone she describes as a 'super academic' from a wealthy family.
She says: 'It ended when I realised he'd never consider me his equal or be interested in my goals.
'I'd realised marrying up meant living your husband's life.'
Rob was a corporal in the British Army when he and Laura met.
Advertisement
'Like most women I've always had a 'perfect-man checklist',' she says.
'When I met Rob he didn't tick any of those boxes but I soon discovered that my list was snobby and shallow.
'When he wasn't fixing vehicles in the Army, he taught skiing.
'I was a learner in one of his classes when we met, and for a week, he saw me falling over, sliding on my butt, and making a fool of myself.
Advertisement
'He wasn't someone I'd ever considered dating material but on the last night we shared a drink, had a laugh and he asked for my number.
'Within days, he called.
'We had the same dark sense of humour.
'I'd been an Army reservist, and we could talk about anything.
Advertisement
'They were snobs'
'He didn't care if I'd been to a private school or was a CEO earning more than him.
'He was my opposite and yet we fit.
'When I told a close friend about him she was stunned, telling me he was 'below my rank' and she didn't like him.
'Her response was shocking — we haven't spoken since.'
Advertisement
When Bradley asked for my number my university mates were horrified
Jess
While they may be opposites, Laura says they were the perfect match, marrying in 2016.
'I do the finances, all the household planning and organisation, the timetables and schedules and Rob does the heavy lifting,' she says.
'Instead of the mansion and posh cars I dreamt of, we live in a three-bed terrace with a veggie patch and chickens.
'Rob thinks lots of my mates look down on him, but they're jealous.
Advertisement
'So many of my friends are divorced and those who are still single can't find a man.
'My advice is to chuck out the checklist and marry down — it's a recipe for a happy life.'
Rob agrees.
He says: 'She's the boss and brains, but being the brawn means I have my uses, too.
Advertisement
'The moment I met Laura, I felt a connection.
'We know our marriage will last.'
Dating coach and relationship expert James Preece, owner of HeraHaven, has seen a rise in women looking for 'high emotional intelligence' rather than someone who can provide for them.
He says: 'They understand that relationship success comes from having similar values and life goals, and are comfortable with being the main earner.'
Advertisement
Pensions and human resources executive Paige Bournett lives in Worcester with her fiance, forklift driver Adam Taylor, 38.
They have been together seven years and are getting married in 2026.
I was raised to be prim and proper. I was told to stay at school, go to university and marry a lawyer, doctor or businessman
Paige
Paige, 31, tried 'dating up' but found the men boring, bad in bed and only interested in their needs.
She says: 'I was raised to be prim and proper.
Advertisement
'I was told to stay at school, go to university and marry a lawyer, doctor or businessman.
'But every super geek or university lad who asked me out didn't care about my needs.
'When I met Adam at a nightclub in 2018, he was cocky, sure of himself and full of funny banter.
'I was in heaven.'
Advertisement
At the time, Adam was in between jobs but this did not deter Paige.
Within two months they were a couple and Adam, who left school at 16, spent time on Universal Credit and flitting between part-time low-level jobs.
Paige recalls: 'My posh friends were horrified he didn't have a career or 'prospects.'
'I didn't care, they were snobs.
Advertisement
'I had the checklist for a husband — a rich man who would have a big house and I wouldn't have to work.
'Instead, I found a fella who is a forklift driver and earns less than me but is a dedicated fiance and who loves me.
'My checklist was silly, I'd be unhappily single if I'd stuck to it.
'My single friends who at first slagged off my choice are now asking him to introduce them to his tradie mates.'
Advertisement
Adam adds: 'Paige was posh and prim when I met her, but she was not a snob.
'She's my uptown girl and I am proud to be her downtown man.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Interior fans in frenzy over ‘pretty' £9.99 mirror from Home Bargains that's ‘much bigger' than The Range version
INTERIOR fans have been racing to Home Bargains to pick up a "pretty" full length mirror after spotting it in store. The retail giant is currently selling the lilac wavy mirror for just £9.99. Advertisement 2 Shoppers are loving a new interiors buy in Home Bargains Credit: Getty 2 Interior fans say the mirror isn't just for kids Credit: Facebook/Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK While it's advertised as being part of the "kids edit", shoppers have insisted they don't just want it for their child's room. So if you want to give your pad a splash of colour and fun twist, you've come to the right place. Home Bargains bosses said savvy interior lovers "shouldn't settle for ordinary" and hailed the mirror as the "perfect addition" to homes. And it seems like people are in full agreement as they've been running to get their hands on it. Advertisement One shopper shared a snap of the mirror on the Her post immediately racked up 300 likes and 185 comments. One person gushed: "It's giving me friends vibes. It belongs in Monica and Chandler's apartment." A second wrote: "Kids bedroom?! That pink or lilac one is going on my landing." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive "They're not just for kids tho are they, I love this kind of decor", echoed a third. A fourth chimed in: "Kids room? I want one for myself." A £7.99 Home Bargains buy made my hallway look SO much bigger but everyone's saying the same thing about my DIY method A fifth added: "I bought the one from The Range when I couldn't find the Home Bargains one, it's much smaller than the Home Bargains one. But thankfully found it yesterday so currently have both." Meanwhile, a sixth said: "Love this mirror I want one now lol." Advertisement If you're a fan of colour in your home, then there's also an interiors trend that you may also want to take note of this year. Colour drenching is predicted to be a huge hit for 2025 and involves using one colour on all surfaces in a room - even down to the light switches and skirting boards. Experts say it makes rooms seem bigger by allowing walls, ceilings and built-in cupboards to all seamlessly blend in together. Advertisement By painting everything in the same shade, you eradicate any strong contrasts or harsh lines and instead allow the eyes to glide over a room. 'Colour drenching simply means painting everything the same shade: the walls, woodwork, ceiling and even radiators or furniture,' the experts at British paint and wallpaper manufacturer Read more on the Irish Sun 'It's become more and more popular recently, but this way of decorating is far from a fleeting trend. 'Whether you want to make a room feel bigger and lighter or cosy and inviting, there's a way to make colour drenching suit you – it's all about which colour you choose.' Advertisement 5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976 Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines There are 575 stores nationwide


Extra.ie
7 hours ago
- Extra.ie
The 90s are back: Britpop fashion makes a bold return
Whether we like it or not, Britpop fashion is back. Think scruffy street style with a brash British designer flair. Kangol bucket hats pulled down over bushy eyebrows and broody-moody eyes. Tight fitting Fred Perry polo shirts or Manchester City football jersey stuck into baggy jeans with a Fred Perry Harrington parka jacket and a can of cider is the mandatory style uniform of the '90s 'Brat Pack'. Pic: AFP STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images And with Oasis fever kicking off with the notoriously notorious rabble-rousing bands' reunion tour underway, football hooliganism fashion is poised to be the sartorial trend this summer. Liam Gallagher with his mother Peggy in 1995. Pic:So ahead of the Oasis gigs in Croke Park in August the shops are already stuffed with Noel and Liam Gallagher fashion -inspired gear for men and women. So before you rock out to the 90's band let's take a look back to fashion decades past and check out what's in store for style conscious boys and girls heading to see Oasis and Blur over the next few months. Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis. Pic:JD Sports have a 'deadly' range of Fred Perry polo shirts that are ripped straight from the brothers Gallagher 1995 Wonderwall wardrobe. The sports store carries a throwback line of Fred Perry polos in a multitude of colours that are unisex so what's good for the boys also looks great on girls. Liam Gallagher with Blur's Damon Albarn. Pic: Avalon/Getty Images And don't blur the sartorial lines when it comes to 90's Parka jackets. The slouchy oversized hooded shell Harrington jacket made famous by Bur frontman Matt Albarn , has made an almighty comeback. In Fact so popular is the Harrington jacket that fashion brand Fred Perry has reissued a replica of Albarn 's iconic oversized beige parka ahead of the bands comeback tour. And footballs coming home, it's coming home. Is football ever away is more the question. Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Pic: James Mccauley/REX/Shutterstock JD Sports stores are jam packed with football kits for fans of every team from every single league across the country. But for the die hard Brit Pop fans a bona fide Manchester City Brother sponsored jersey is the coveted clobber for concert goers. An array of online vintage stores and Amazon are flogging 90's era Man City jerseys just for the Oasis reunion occasion. Liam Gallagher of Oasis at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995. Pic: Lindsay Magos/REX/Shutterstock In the footwear department the shoes of the season have to be scruffy three striped Adidas trainers that are suitable mucky to match the unkempt Oasis look. And for the more flush of cash Burberry and Vivienne Westwood are the only British designer brands to be seen dead or alive in this summer for dedicated followers of Brit Pop fashion.


The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Huge Brit rocker forced to cancel performance amid ‘dangerous' safety concerns
AN iconic British rocker has been forced to cancel a performance amid safety concerns. Sting, who crooned the hit Fields of Gold, 73, cancelled his performance in Italy amid "dangerous" weather conditions. 3 Sting was forced to cancel one of his recent European gigs Credit: Getty 3 The Fields of Gold singer left his fans devastated by the news Credit: Getty His cancelled show comes six months after he was The performance was due to take place on Sunday, but due to bad weather conditions, the Mayor advised that the event should be postponed. With weather proving to be an issue, a warning for a severe thunderstorm threw Sting's performance into chaos. Read More about Sting On Sunday, the temperature was 27 degrees but a severe thunderstorm had been predicted for the afternoon. There was a possibility of "lightning and extremely high winds", which made up the minds of the organisers. Organisers of the gig were concerned, with heavy thunderstorms still expected Monday through to Tuesday. Sting took to social media to share the sad news of his gig's cancellation with fans. Most read in Celebrity "The mayor of Bassano del Grappa wisely said it would have been too dangerous for the performance to take place with the possibility of lightning and extremely high winds last night," he said. "The safety of my audience, band and crew is paramount. Sting's son joins the police and says he has landed his dream job "I promise we will return as soon as we can," Sting concluded. Though his fans were devastated, they understood and praised that he put "safety first". "Last night we were very sad but the weather was terrible and safety is the first thing.. we wait for you soon," commented one. Another said: "Safety for you, your band and for us. We're waiting for you next time!!!" "It was heartbreaking, but you're right, safety first. Can't wait to see you live someday," added a third. A fourth then wrote: "I was so looking forward to the concert, hopefully it can be re-organised soon!" And a fifth said: "Better safe than sorry. Always. Thank you for looking after everyone." Back in January, Sting was forced to pull out of a performance on doctor's orders. "On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday," a statement read at the start of the year. It went on to reveal that he would also "postpone his STING 3.0 concerts in Phoenix, AZ (originally scheduled for January 24) to June 1 and Wheatland, CA (originally scheduled for January 26) to May 28 as well as his performance at the Cherrytree Music Company's 20th anniversary, now taking place May 29". The statement went on to say: "Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honoured on the new dates. "Sting sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding." 3 Sting was forced to cancel shows earlier this year after he had fallen ill Credit: Getty