A COUPLE renewed their vows on national TV last week in the stately home sharing the name of their Great Yarmouth guest house.

An audience of millions watched Martin and Denise Simpson pledge their love in the ceremony at Blenheim Palace for ITV1 breakfast show Daybreak.

The husband and wife, who run The Blenheim Hotel on Aspley Road, were one of 50 couples chosen to take part.

Martin and Denise, who tied the knot 33 years ago, were not able to renew their vows on holiday in Jamaica in January because they did not take their marriage certificate.

They entered the Daybreak competition after returning from holiday and were delighted to be chosen as one of the winners.

Martin said: “It was a day we will never forget and meant more to us the second time round than the first. It feels like we have fallen in love all over again.

“We met some lovely people; one lady who used to be a cleaner at Blenheim Palace was celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary.

“Some were more unfortunate than us – there were people there who were terminally ill, it was very special.

“We had so many calls – the phone has not stopped ringing and we received lots of bouquets and chocolates.”

The ceremony was broadcast live in the great hall, before the couples went into the library to sign the register.

Originally from London, Martin, 55, and Denise, 51, met in a bar and married in 1978. A former nightclub owner, Martin has been running the hotel with Denise for the last 11 years. They have three sons, identical twins Ryan and Darron, 29, and 16-year-old Billy.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is among Britain’s grandest architectural achievements.

Built for The Duke of Marlborough in honour of his victory over France at the Battle of Blenheim, the 18th century palace is set within 2,000 acres of parkland amid the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

It has a series of magnificent state apartments including the ornate grand hall and an extensive collection of priceless paintings and antiques.