Liverpool’s iconic couples: A look at famous love stories this Valentine’s Day

Liverpool has been home to some truly iconic couples.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating some of Liverpool’s most famous love stories, from rock ‘n’ roll romance to footballing fairytales and even a couple of legendary Liver Birds.

John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Few love stories have been as famous, creative, and controversial as that of John and Yoko. The Beatle and the avant-garde artist first met in 1966 at Ono’s London art exhibition, and their relationship became one of the most talked-about in music history.

Yoko was often blamed for The Beatles’ breakup, but in reality, she and John shared an unbreakable bond, using their platform for peace activism and artistic collaborations.

Their famous Bed-In for Peace in 1969 remains one of the most iconic protests of all time. Though their time together was tragically cut short, their love story is still talked about to this day.

Wayne & Coleen Rooney

The pair met as teenagers in Croxteth and have been together ever since, navigating life in the spotlight with unwavering loyalty.

From Wayne’s rise to football superstardom to Coleen’s career as a fashion icon and the unforgettable Wagatha Christie saga, the Rooneys have built a family while constantly making the headlines.

Through ups and downs, they’ve remained one of Liverpool’s most talked-about couples, proving that first loves can last a lifetime.

Bella & Bertie – The love that watches over Liverpool

No list of iconic Liverpool couples would be complete without our Bella and Bertie – the Liver Birds who have stood proudly atop the Royal Liver Building for over a century.

Legend has it that Bertie looks over the city, protecting the people of Liverpool, while Bella watches over the River Mersey, keeping the sailors safe.

However we all know that Bella is looking out to see for a sailor and Bertie is looking to see if the pubs are open!

Local folklore even claims that if the two birds were to ever face each other, Liverpool would fall!

These legends have stood side by side through it all, proving that sometimes, love is just about being there for each other – always.

Tin Head & Emily O’Leary – Brookside’s unforgettable romance

For Brookside fans, Tin Head (Tim O’Leary) and Emily O’Leary were the ultimate love-against-the-odds couple. Played by Philip Olivier and Jennifer Ellison, the pair were at the centre of one of the soap’s most emotional and tragic love stories.

Tin Head was the tough-but-loyal Scouser who fell for Emily, and despite their struggles, they became one of the most beloved couples on the Close. 

Their relationship was filled with ups and downs, ending when Emily was killed off during the siege of Brookside Close in 2002. Love stories don’t always have fairy-tale endings, but we will always remember this one from Brookie.

Steven & Alex Gerrard

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard isn’t just one of the greatest footballers the city has ever produced – he’s also part of one of its most iconic couples.

Steven met Alex Curran when they were both in their teens, and their relationship has stood the test of time through Gerrard’s incredible footballing career, including that unforgettable Champions League final in 2005. 

Now, with a family and a career in football management, Steven and Alex remain one of Liverpool’s power couples, proving that love, like football, is all about teamwork.

Kenny & Marina Dalglish

If football is a religion in Liverpool, then Kenny and Marina Dalglish are its royal couple. The Liverpool FC legend and his wife of over 50 years have shared a life of incredible highs and challenging lows, always supporting each other with unwavering strength.

Marina’s work with the Marina Dalglish Appeal, which raises money for cancer care, is as inspiring as Kenny’s impact on Liverpool’s football legacy. Together, they show that the strongest love stories aren’t just about the good times but about standing together through everything.

Leon & June Bernicoff – Gogglebox’s most iconic couple

Leon and June Bernicoff became national treasures thanks to their time on Gogglebox, where their humour and clear devotion to each other made them instant fan favourites.

Having met in Liverpool in the 1950s, they were married for over 60 years, sharing a love story filled with laughter, loyalty, and a little bit of bickering. 

Leon’s passing in 2017, and June’s in 2020, was a huge loss, but their love lives on in every repeated episode showing their hilarious Gogglebox moments.

Sir Ken & Lady Anne Dodd

Liverpool’s king of comedy, Sir Ken Dodd, may have been known for his tickling sticks and outrageous one-liners, but his greatest love was always Lady Anne.

The pair were together for over 40 years before finally tying the knot just days before Ken’s passing in 2018. 

Their relationship was built on laughter making them one of Liverpool’s most cherished couples. Lady Dodd is one of the Trustees of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which works to support performing arts charities and organisations. In the past six years, the Foundation has made over 50 donations to more than 30 charities, many of which are based in Liverpool and Merseyside. 

In January 2025 Anne was awarded the prestigious Roll of Citizen of Honour by Liverpool City Council. 

Read more features from The Guide Liverpool here.