Alex & James
Alex & James
Our Story
"If I had to describe James in a nutshell it would be that he is full of innovative ideas, compassion and has a great sense of humour"-Alex
James was born in Somerset and studied Drama at the University of Winchester, where he graduated with a First Class BA (Hons). After moving to London, he built a creative career in the arts and now works at the National Theatre as the Access Manager. Although he has lived in London for 13 years, he still misses the countryside.
Three fun facts about James: When he was 16 a tree fell on him, he recently passed his Level 1 British Sign Language exam, and he is a licensed narrowboat skipper.
"If I had to sum up who Alex was, it would be his kindness, intuition, and fills a room with good energy."-James
Alex is proudly born and raised in Hackney. He trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and worked as an actor before moving into youth work, where he now supports young people at The King’s Trust.
Three fun facts about Alex: he's been skydiving with his mum, has performed in three different productions of The Mousetrap in three separate countries, and was part of the first youth kayaking descent of the Zanskar Gorge in India when he was 16.
Where did we meet?
In a very small unknown town just inside the M25 called Tin Der.
Where was our first date?
The Smoking Goat in Shoreditch. James said he wasn’t fussy, but really just wanted to impress Alex, even if the food wasn’t quite his thing. When we went back there for an anniversary, James didn't hold back on letting Alex know his true feelings of the food.
What’s our guilty pleasure TV show?
You can't go wrong with a bit of RuPaul's Drag Race!
What was our first holiday together?
We went to Tenerife. I know, a cliche for two homosexuals, but James wanted some sunny weather during the winter months. With a stand out highlight being Siam Waterpark.
What’s our go-to takeaway?
We love WINGSTOP!!! So unhealthy but it's soo good! We love bold flavours.
What’s the most memorable adventure we’ve been on?
The Tasmania trip. Alex wasn’t too keen on travelling all the way to the other side of the world for a tour around the small island just off Australia with a bunch of strangers. But with a passionate guide, one breath taking landscape after another, and some wonderful characters met along the way, a little travel bug slowly started to grow inside Alex. Since then, we’ve travelled a lot and our adventures have become some of the things we value most.
Who’s more likely to win at a pub quiz?
Alex. He goes to the toilet more than James and comes back suddenly remembering one of the answers.
What’s in the travel bag for every single trip?
Uno!
Who does the cooking?
Alex usually loves taking the lead, but James is amazing too! Alex is in an instinctive cook, and James is top tier with a recipe.
What do we argue about most often (but laugh about later)?
We hardly ever argue, BUT we do have long and in-depth heated conversations! We're usually laughing at the end by how silly the trigger was. For example when Alex spoilt who won Australia's Drag Race.
Who spends more time in Lidl/Aldi looking for “bargains”?
It depends who sees something shiny first. Alex will be drawn to a reduced price tag whereas James will be drawn to a cool contraption.
What’s our weirdest snack?
Alex likes to wait for prawn crackers or rice cakes to go stale whereas James loves hot peanut butter and jam wraps toasted in the frying pan.
Where are we most excited to travel next?
Probably for our Honeymoon in Mexico!!! As you know us, we love our food, and can't wait to learn more about the culture and gorge ourselves on local dishes and margaritas!
What’s on our couple bucket list?
Having a baby is right at the top of it.
What’s the first thing we want to teach our child?
Sharing. And try something first, if you don't like it at least you tried it.
What’s our dream home like?
A Victorian house with a big garden, two children and a dog.
What's your biggest achievement together?
It has to be both of us supporting each other through our solo travels, and surviving it as a couple. Before James met Alex he applied for an Australian working holiday visa, but due to covid and maybe fate, this was delayed and was only granted in 2022. Faced with the tough decision and knowing how strong we were as a couple; James went solo traveling for 7 months. Alex came out to visit James for a month half way through.
With a new love for travel ignited, in 2024 Alex knew he had to have his own solo travel experience, and went to New Zealand, and then Australia. With James coming to visit half way through.
It was incredibly tough for us both, but we spoke every day and night, and evidently it's made us 100 times stronger.
What item do you constantly steal from each other’s wardrobe?
Everything. Alex likes to take James' silk flowy shirts and James likes to take Alex's jeans, hoodies, T-shirts, socks, basically most things.
Funniest travel mishap?
On our very last day in New Zealand, our camper van was lifted onto a tow truck, with all our bags and passports still inside. Luckily, after some frantic convincing and begging, the tow truck driver took pity on us and set it back down. James has never seen Alex run so fast.
Dream dinner guest list (3 people, living or not).
Miriam Margolyes, Alison Hammond, and David Attenborough.