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Lovers with 37-year age gap say trolls mistake them for 'grandad and grandson'

Eddie Smith, 56, and husband Jake Lamey, 19, both felt an instant connection when they first met on Snapchat last year. They got married a few months later and don't care what the trolls say

[Some have accused Jake of dating Eddie for his pension]

Some have accused Jake of dating Eddie for his pension(Image: HypePress/Jake&Eddie North)

A gay couple with a 37-year age gap say trolls mistake them for grandad and grandson, but insist their love is stronger than ever. Eddie Smith, 56, from West London, and husband Jake Lamey, 19, from Greater Manchester, say they knew they had a connection almost instantly after meeting on Snapchat.

The pair began talking online before falling in love in December last year, and say they have barely spent a day apart since. Despite concerns from strangers over their age difference, the couple got engaged on January 20 before marrying on May 15, 2026.

You cant help who you fall in love with, says Jake. Younger, older, same age, love is love.

[The connection was 'instant']

The connection was 'instant'(Image: HypePress/Jake&Eddie North)

However, the couple admits that not everyone shares this sentiment, and they have been facing cruel trolling online after starting a TikTok account together.

We get comments calling Eddie my grandad, dad, daddy, and even uncle, Jake explained. People ask if Im with him for money or his pension.

Someone commented, What in the Universal Credit is going on? But Ive come to realise that not everyone is going to understand, and thats ok.

Some people have joked that the pair look related, while some trolls have even written: Cute to see grandson and grandpa serenade each other.

['You cant help who you fall in love with']

'You cant help who you fall in love with'(Image: HypePress/Jake&Eddie North)

But the loved-up pair refuse to let the negativity affect their relationship. We always turn negative comments into positivity, Jake said.

Lots of people also support us and say things like, As long as youre happy, age is only a number. The couple insists they have plenty in common despite their 37-year age gap.

We like the same music, we have the same hobbies, and we love cooking together, says Jake. Eddie is an amazing chef, and hes really patient with my ADHD moments. He always matches my energy.

Eddie admitted he initially worried about the public reaction to their romance. At first I did think about the age gap and what people would say, he explained.

[They got married last month]

They got married last month(Image: HypePress/Jake&Eddie North)

But now I dont care. Were happy together, and thats what matters. The pair say they have never hidden their relationship and are proud to show affection publicly despite sometimes being mistaken for father and son while walking hand-in-hand.

Were a proud gay couple, Jake added. If people mistake that for something else, thats their problem.

Despite all the criticism online, both Jake and Eddies families have been supportive of the relationship, and the newlyweds are already planning for the future together.

The pair hope to buy their own home one day and have even discussed adopting a child and getting a small dog.

Weve both been through difficult things in life, Jake said. People should never judge a book by its cover.

As long as two people are happy together, thats all that matters.

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