The country is on lockdown amid the Covid-19 crisis.
But, Cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, 42, was able to marry his girlfriend of almost two years Madeleine Costigan, 40, at a lavish ceremony at Charlton Hall in Northumberland, just days before mass gatherings in the UK were officially advised against.
The Dancing On Ice star has said he feels ‘so lucky’ their wedding was able to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic, but their honeymoon has been cancelled.
Congratulations! Cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, 42, has married Madeleine Costigan, 40, at a lavish ceremony at Charlton Hall in Northumberland, amid the coronavirus pandemic
Ryan told Hello! magazine: ‘We feel so lucky that we were able to celebrate our wedding in the way we’d planned. It was such a wonderful day.
‘We really feel for the people who have had to postpone. But there is a bigger picture. People’s health is more important than anything.’
The ceremony was attended by Coronation Street’s Jane Danson and sportsmen Liam Plunkett, Alex Tudor, best man James Middlebrook and usher David Bates.
Ryan said: ‘It was such a special day for both of us – the most amazing day from start to finish.’
Lucky! The Dancing On Ice star has said he feels ‘so lucky’ their wedding was able to go ahead just days before mass gatherings in the UK were officially advised against
Event planner Maddie added: ‘The venue was inspired by Alice In Wonderland. We’re full of fun and a little bit crazy. We’re those embarrassing parents.’
Their wedding also marked Maddie’s 40th birthday, which she said made the whole day so much more memorable.
The mother-of-one said: ‘That made it even more special. And it means Ryan will never forget our wedding anniversary.’
Out now: Read the full article in Hello! magazine, out now
The reception featured a video montage of messages from his celebrity friends including Robbie Williams, Alan Shearer, Phil Tufnell, Kevin Keegan, Brian McFadden, Keith Duffy and Leigh Francis.
Read the full article in Hello! magazine, out now.
Ryan Sidebottom began dating Maddie in the summer of 2018 while she was still married to and living with her now ex-husband.
She told The Sun at the time, that she and her estranged husband were in the process of getting a divorce, and she was already planning to move out after selling their £500,000 home.
Before Ryan began a relationship with mother-of-one Maddie, he had split with his ex Kate after nine years of marriage.
The estranged couple share two children: daughter Indiana Nell and son Darley Jack, while his new wife Maddie is a mother-of-one.
Extra special: Their wedding also marked Costigan’s 40th birthday, which Maddie said made the whole day so much more memorable (Pictured at the ITV Palooza)
Blended family: Ryan shares two children – daughter Indiana Nell and son Darley Jack – with ex wife of nine years, Kate, while new wife Maddie is a mother-of-one
Meanwhile, Ryan previously admitted his stint on Dancing on Ice in 2019 was the ‘hardest thing’ he’s ever done.
He said: ‘Make no mistake, it’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s been so much fun and I’ve had such wonderful support from the public with many lovely messages on Twitter and Instagram.’
He also revealed that his skating-related fame had surpassed anything he’d previously experienced.
Ryan shared: ‘It’s weird, you get known for playing cricket but now it seems like ‘Dancing On Ice’ is more important and it’s quite hard to get my head around.
‘People have been so kind and supportive and it means a lot. Skating is really difficult but I’m really enjoying the ride and am just trying to give it my best.’