John Prescott is the former deputy prime minister who was in post for 10 years from 1997 to 2007 under Tony Blair’s Labour Government. The 81-year-old Welshman, who now sits in the House of Lords, has been married to his wife Pauline for almost 60 years. The couple tied the knot in 1961 and have two children together. They are businessman Jonathan Prescott and Labour Party employee David Prescott.
Pauline had a son by an American airman prior to meeting John.
In her autobiography Smile Through Your Heart is Breaking, Pauline recalled one particular eye-raising memory.
She was recalling in detail how John proposed to her – in a tiny toilet cubicle on a train.
In her book, Pauline wrote: “My oh-so-romantic husband-to-be pushed me into the cramped train toilet.
“Pressing me up against the basin, he kissed me and blurted, ‘Marry me?’
“’John Prescott,’ I cried indignantly. ‘I see the art of romance isn’t dead, then?’
“He looked crestfallen, so kissing him back, I grinned, ‘Of course I will, you idiot.’
John is back on TV screens tonight for a second series of Celebrity 5 Go Barging.
However, the Labour peer worried fans after having a stroke on June 21.
Messages of support flew in from ex-colleagues wishing him a speedy recovery, including former prime minister Tony Blair.
A statement issued by Mr Prescott’s family at the time said: “We would like to praise the swift actions of the ambulance staff and the doctors and nurses at Hull Royal Infirmary’s A&E and stroke unit.
“They have been remarkable and we cannot thank them enough.
“He is receiving excellent care from the NHS but we would respectfully request at this time that John and our family are given the privacy we need so he can have the time and space to make a full recovery. Thank you.”
John is believed to still be on the mend.
Former home secretary Alan Johnson told the BBC not long after that John was “talking and over the worst”.
Celebrity Go Barging is on at 9pm on Channel 5.