A SOUTH Lakeland man had a life-changing decision to make last night. And the question on the lips of millions of television viewers was: "Will he, or won't he?"

Windermere's Jacob Kindred, 25, could either be hitched or ditched this morning after his girlfriend proposed to him in front of a national television audience on Tuesday night, reports Mike Addison.

After the show called Surprise Wedding, Mr Kindred was whisked away to a secret hotel in central London to deliberate on whether or not he wanted to go through with a television studio marriage to trainee teacher Bonnie Slessor, 24.

Last night Mr Kindred was due to accept or reject his girlfriend's proposal during the prime time show screened on the eve of Valentine's Day.

He knew nothing about Miss Slessor's intentions and was lured to the television studios on the pretext of seeing his girlfriend appear in a make over show called Make Me A Star.

Six wannabe brides were introduced to the television audience while their unsuspecting suitors sat back stage, oblivious to the fact that romantic details of their relationships were being aired to millions of people.

At a given point during the show, Mr Kindred was led to a double door at the side of the stage where he was asked to wait. He was told that once the doors opened he should take five steps forward and he would meet his girlfriend.

A musical fanfare announced the opening of the doors and an open-mouthed Mr Kindred walked on stage to be greeted by Miss Slessor in her wedding attire. Presenter Mark Duerden-Smith announced: "Welcome to your wedding" and requested that Mr Kindred not say a word but listen to Miss Slessor who said: "I know you quite fancied a quick wedding in Vegas with Elvis. But would you settle for this instead?"

Before Mr Kindred had a chance to answer he was escorted off stage and whisked away to a secret hotel where he had 48 hours to make one of the most important decisions of his life.

During last night's show the would-be brides explained, with the help of video clips, how they had been preparing for their big day secretly shopping for the dress, choosing the rings and planning how to get their partners to the altar without raising suspicion.

All attempts by the Gazette to get in touch with Mr Kindred, who is a claims assessor and once spent two periods of work experience at the paper, failed this

week. By now he could be on his honeymoon.

Surprise Wedding is based on a successful American format and is co-presented by Amanda Lamb. It was billed as being "an emotional roller coaster" for the six sets of couples taking part.

February 14, 2003 09:30