A Braintree couple narrowly failed to win the UK's first interactive wedding.

The result was announced live on ITV1's GMTV today and saw a couple from Nuneaton chosen as the winners instead.

Robert Jones, 36, and Sam Smith, 20, of Cressing Road, Braintree, were whittled down to the final three couples on the programme after being chosen from more than a thousand entries when the competition was launched in May.

Miss Smith said: "We've enjoyed the whole experience of it all."

She added: "Our own wedding was already in the pipeline and with my own 21st birthday in July it would have all been a bit manic. I think Rob and I will just relax today, answer the phone and take it easy."

During the week the three potential brides and grooms were presented to the public.

Yesterday viewers were asked to vote for the couple which should have every part of their wedding chosen by the viewer and then the ceremony would be televised on August 29.

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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