Jonathan Mayor: "You have to constantly reassess who you are..." Sustaining a long-term relationship through all phases of life

Jonathan Mayor met his husband Leon through a small ad in The Guardian, fell in love over the phone before they'd even met in person, and 23 years later he's telling me it still feels exciting having him in the house.Jonathan is a Manchester comedy institution, Sarah Millican's go-to warm-up act and host, and a Canal Street favourite - but this episode is really about Leon. About answering machine tennis that turned into months of phone calls, a first meeting that ended with Jonathan opening the door naked and wet in a towel, a proposal on day three (that Jonathan turned down, obviously), and an "I love you" blurted out on ecstasy less than 24 hours after they met.We talk about the sixteen years they spent commuting between Manchester and Nottingham while Leon was a closeted local politician (he came out for Jonathan, and later became Nottingham's first ever out Sheriff), the family reactions on both sides, and the reality of now navigating Leon's Parkinson's diagnosis together after finally moving in under one roof. Jonathan also opens up about a recent stroke and what it's like relearning his own spontaneity mid-conversation.Away from the relationship stuff, we get into how a chaotic pub quiz turned Jonathan into "Quizmaster, I am God" and accidentally launched his comedy career, plus his genuinely great advice for anyone struggling to date: stop laser-focusing on a six-pack, go and find your actual people, and be kind to whoever's brave enough to talk to you.GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️Jonathan Mayor is a huge cult figure in comedy, a Canal Street favourite, and quite frankly, a bit of a Manchester legend.He was Sarah Millican’s go-to host and support act, MC’ing her new material nights: 'Sarah Millican and Friends,' and performing as the warm-up man for her television series: 'The Sarah Millican Television Show'.Away from the comdey circuit he is happily married to the real-life former Sheriff of Nottingham and hosts the Manchester Pride Candlelight AIDS Vigil every year. Follow Eden on Instagram 💕Visit Jonathan's website ✨SUPPORT THE PODCASTEden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉CREDITSQueer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio. Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕Follow Benji on Instagram 💕If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected] your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗 Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!Support the show